Black & Educated but Make It Fashion! Spelman, Morehouse & Ralph Lauren did a thing recently, and it’s giving! “Ralph Lauren Introduces New Collection Designed by Morehouse, And Spelman Alumni” is the caption that followed striking images of black students in ivy league attire.
The backstory of this monumental moment leaves no room to speculate if actual black designers are to credit. I’m happy to report that the check cleared, and receipts are available! HBCU students are notorious for breathing life into campus fashion. The articulate minds of black institutions have never been afraid to step out of their dorms with style and grace! A collaboration of this nature isn’t just legendary. It’s long overdue.
Ralph Lauren is synonymous with American culture. Blonde hair and blue-eyed models in collegiate wear forged a blueprint for its ad campaigns. Mr. Lauren broke his mold in 1993 by signing Tyson Beckford, making him the brand’s first black model. It was a significant deal then and now that its legacy is making a powerful statement with two prestigious HBCUs.
Morehouse alumnus James Jeter and Spelman graduate Dara Douglas designed the exclusive collection. Both are top-tier professionals within the Ralph Lauren business. Their minds worked together in connecting their Alma Maters legacy with the brand. In addition to celebrating their institutions, Jeter and Douglas’s end goal was to acknowledge Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a whole. The results successfully created a collection that pays tribute to the rich history of black academia.
The Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Collection will host 1920 & 50s fashion. Knits, tailored suits, dresses, footwear, accessories, and more will be available on March 29th.
Learn more about what to expect in the link below:
