Polo Ralph Lauren Launches Artist In Residence Program
Polo Ralph Lauren has kicked off its new “Artist In Residence” program by collaborating with textile artist Naiomi Glasses on a comprehensive collection. This is the first of three collections that Glasses will design for the brand. Glasses, a seventh-generation Diné (Navajo) textile artist and weaver, has incorporated her unique vision and ancestral designs into various pieces featuring traditional Navajo motifs such as four-directional crosses, spider woman crosses, dragonflies, and wedge weaves.
These motifs are showcased across a range of pieces inspired by the Navajo Nation lands, with standout items including woven jaquard blankets and coats made from undyed wool that highlights natural colors, offset by thicket jackets and ranch coats. The collection also includes pieces that mirror Glasses’ personal style, primarily classic Polo items like sweaters, polo shirts, and baseball caps that present the collection’s inspirations in a modern style.
Polo Ralph Lauren established the “Artist In Residence” program to collaborate more closely with and highlight the communities that inspire and support their products, rather than just drawing inspiration from them.
The lookbook, which helps weave the collection’s narrative, features Glasses’ friends and family and was shot on Navajo Nation land by Ryan RedCorn of the Osage Nation and Daryn Sells, a Navajo Nation member. Glasses also handpicked a collection of handcrafted silver and turquoise jewelry made by six artisan families from the Navajo Nation, Hopi Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, and Zuni Pueblo. All pieces are unique and will be sold through Ralph Lauren’s channels. Lastly, a portion of the proceeds from the first drop of the Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses Collection will go to Change Labs, a “Native-led organization dedicated to nurturing successful Navajo and Hopi small businesses,” according to a Ralph Lauren press release.
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