Polo Ralph Lauren has announced the launch of its “Oak Bluffs” collection—a limited-edition release celebrating the historic Black coastal community of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. More than a seasonal collection, the launch continues the brand’s creative and cultural partnership with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges and reflects Ralph Lauren’s wider effort to highlight underrepresented American stories through its Design with Intent initiative.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Generations of alumni from both historically Black colleges have summered in Oak Bluffs for decades, drawn to its charming gingerbread cottages, coastal charm, and deep sense of community. Ralph Lauren, whose vision of Americana has spanned from Western mountains to New England shores, honors this cultural tradition through timeless designs that nod to heritage, leisure, and legacy.
This new collection expands on the 2022 Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges line. The collection was designed by alumni currently working at Ralph Lauren. Where that campaign celebrated collegiate style, this one carries the story forward into summer, blending campus classics with relaxed island style. Ralph Lauren merges the nostalgia of college life with the comfort and ease of coastal living.
Honoring the History and Style of Oak Bluffs in Martha’s Vineyard
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
As a cultural landmark, Oak Bluffs has long represented a safe haven and a summer tradition for generations of Black families. The town’s enduring legacy as a center of joy, rest, and togetherness is woven into the fabric of the collection—both literally and figuratively. By spotlighting this community, Ralph Lauren continues to explore what it means to be at home in America, reinforcing the idea that style and storytelling go hand in hand.
Following Ralph Lauren’s recent Hamptons-inspired capsule, the Oak Bluffs collection shifts the focus to a place where tradition meets ease. Swimwear and sandals are paired with collegiate ballcaps and salt-weathered crewnecks—evoking a well-worn summer wardrobe shaped by long beach days and porch conversations. Practicality leads, but always with a sense of purpose and personality.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren notes, “Oak Bluffs’ unique history, traditions and sense of community deeply inspire me and speak to what we are all searching for – a place where you can be free, uncontrived, joyful and truly at home.”
New England coastal motifs appear throughout the collection—from twill jackets to quilted pieces—serving as both decorative details and storytelling elements. The color palette of white, red, and navy feels classic yet fresh, while stripes, embroidery, and textured tweeds add tactile interest. One standout is a quilted patchwork jacket paired with a matching blanket, both stitched from fabric that nods to island history and American craft traditions.
Collegiate Attire as a Nod to Morehouse and Spelman
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Alongside the Oak Bluffs offering is a continuation of the Morehouse and Spelman collection, bringing together school pride and summer nostalgia. The line channels memories of one’s first summer break—library nights traded for shoreline mornings.
Highlights include Morehouse’s Maroon Tiger emblazoned on the back of a maroon-and-white satin varsity jacket and a soft, ivory-and-light-blue cardigan featuring Spelman’s Jaguar and campus motifs. With an array of knits, sweaters, and sailing jackets, the collection continues Ralph Lauren’s celebration of timeless collegiate style rooted in Black excellence.
Behind the Ralph Lauren Campaign
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
The campaign was shot on location throughout Oak Bluffs, capturing the island’s porches, beaches, and historic homes. Ralph Lauren collaborated with author and producer Cole Brown to direct the project, drawing from his own summers spent on the island. Photographer Nadine Ijewere and cinematographer Azariah Bjørvig, both of whom worked on the original 2022 campaign, returned for this latest chapter.
The campaign also includes a short film, A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs. A screening and panel discussion hosted at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival will follow on August 8, in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Additionally, Ralph Lauren partnered with The Cottagers, Inc., an organization of Black female homeowners committed to historic preservation on Martha’s Vineyard. Other institutions contributed archival materials and historical context to help shape the campaign.
The Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection is now available in select Ralph Lauren stores, at the Morehouse and Spelman campus stores, and online.
Courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren.
