Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses

A journey to amplify diverse stories

Ralph Lauren’s design ethos has long been inspired by the countries, cultures and art that make up the fabric of America. In keeping with its commitment to examine what and who is included in its representation of the American experience, the company has embarked on a journey to amplify diverse stories, deepen its sources of inspiration and ultimately form creative partnerships within the communities that inspire its designs.

The Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection was the first range of the company’s Artist in Residence programme, which invites artisans of varying skills and mediums to participate in an intensive collaboration with Ralph Lauren’s creative teams. The Artist in Residence programme, which deliberately focuses on the celebration and preservation of traditional craftsmanship, is part of the company’s broader effort to move from inspiration to collaboration with the communities that have inspired Ralph Lauren.

Naiomi Glasses is a seventh generation Diné (Navajo) textile artist, designer and model. After moving from Phoenix, Arizona, to Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona during her childhood, Naiomi began intensively studying traditional weaving under her grandmother. At 18, she began weaving full-time and launched her online custom textile business – focusing her work on bringing attention to the beauty of Diné culture. Naiomi’s one-of-a-kind weavings and designs celebrate Navajo patternwork and craft, putting her love for the Diné way of life at the center of everything she creates.

The Polo Ralph Lauren x Naiomi Glasses collection was divided into three seasonal special editions, released through 2024, celebrating the artistry of timeless Navajo traditions through the lens of Naiomi Glasses. The first capsule, Love of the Land included an assortment of beautifully crafted knits, velvet tops, timeless layering pieces and classic Ralph Lauren silhouettes like the iconic polo shirt and baseball cap. The second capsule, Color in Motion, came with a dynamic and colorful campaign featuring Naiomi and friends shot in Phoenix, Arizona, this installment offered a glimpse into another part of Naiomi’s story – her love of skateboarding. The third capsule, Denim Daydream, captured Naiomi’s love for rodeo, its heritage and its connection to Navajo culture. This love was reflected across a scape of denim and indigo hues – a nod to the signature attire of Navajo rodeo contestants and the color of Navajo Nation skies.

Each individual collection was intented to donate a percentage of the sale price to organisations and relief funds dedicated to supporting small businesses and creative leaders from disadvantaged communities, as well as Native American children and families. A project and collection that remains inspiring!

For further informations about Naiomi Glasses visit her website:

www.naiomiglasses.net

Want to get more inspired?

Read our article ‚IN CONVERSATION WITH FIBER ARTIST MEGHAN SHIMEK‘.