As American Eagle faces backlash over ads featuring actress Sydney Sweeney—criticized by some for cultural insensitivity—another major clothing brand is drawing attention for a very different reason.
Ralph Lauren recently launched its Oak Bluffs campaign, inspired by the sharp, classic style rooted in the traditions of historically Black American colleges and the rich cultural heritage of the Black community in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts—which is the namesake of the campaign.
According to the book Black Home Ownership on Martha’s Vineyard, Black families have owned property on the island since the 19th century. In many instances, these homes have been preserved and passed down through generations, becoming a lasting part of family and cultural legacy.
Building on the spirit of the 2022 Morehouse and Spelman collection. While long associated with affluent Ivy League institutions through its preppy fabrics the Ralph Lauren brand now channels that same sense of prestige into its HBCU and Oak Bluffs collections—this time celebrating a different facet of the Black American experience with fashion.
BY: BEWITTY Staff
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