Ralph Lauren has long excelled at storytelling through style—capturing not just the look but the soul of American life. With the new Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection, the brand invites us to discover a lesser-known yet deeply rich chapter: Oak Bluffs, a vibrant coastal haven and cultural sanctuary for Black communities in Martha’s Vineyard.
This isn’t just a summer capsule. It’s a celebration of history and heritage wrapped in iconic American sportswear. The collection blends timeless coastal leisurewear with collegiate spirit, paying homage to Ralph Lauren’s ongoing partnerships with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.
A Love Letter to Coastal Black Legacy
What sets this collection apart is the team behind it. Designed by the alumni of these two prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU), the pieces reflect an authentic point of view. This is one that fuses off-campus college life with the breezy, sun-washed elegance of island living.
From a twill jacket embroidered with Oak Bluffs’s scenic charm to striped knits and crisp sport caps in primary hues, each items feels lived-in yet powerful. The palette and materials evoke slow bike rides down Sea View Avenue and those beloved “five-to-seven” porch socials—effortless, generational, deeply specific.
Standout Pieces To Shop
For those building a meaningful wardrobe, this drop delivers. We’ve got our eye on the quilted patchwork jacket and drawstring maxiskirt—a storytelling standout that layers craftsmanship with culture. Designed like a memory map of Oak Bluffs, it’s a tactile keepsake and a style statement in one.
Equally striking are the Morehouse and Spelman capsule pieces. Think maroon-and-white satin varsity jackets embroidered with the Morehouse Tiger. Or an ivory-and-powder-blue Spelman cardigan complete with the jaguar mascot and signature collegiate trims. They feel like heirlooms in the making—built to be worn, remembered, and passed on.
A Collection With Soul
More than clothes, the Oak Bluffs collection is part of a larger narrative. The campaign pairs evocative imagery with an upcoming short film spotlighting the town’s cultural significance and legacy as a place of joy, creativity, and community for generations of Black families.
Launching just in time for summer, Polo Ralph Lauren invites you to step into a new kind of American story. This is a tale stitched with a deep love for history that continues to shape how we dress today.
Take a closer at the A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs short film below.
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