Ralph Lauren has announced a collaboration between RRL and Navajo artist/weaver Zephren M., the second chapter of its ongoing “Artist in Residence” program. Featuring apparel, soft accessories, and even a floor rug, the collection highlights the custom color palette created by Zefren-M to honor the Navajo Nation, while bringing its traditional sewing and weaving techniques to modern times. Combined with RRL applications, it tells ancient tribal stories. A unique perspective.
Products include hand-knitted shawl cardigans and classic RRL work shirts, as well as bags and custom rug combinations. The collection’s storytelling is also deep, with the aforementioned color palette paying homage to the Navajo landscape, and its repeating patterns paying homage to the cycles of life and the weaving traditions passed down to them by Zephren-M’s great-grandmother. Also visible throughout the product are various engraved conchos (metal ornaments) that pay homage to Spider-Woman, a figure from Navajo mythology who taught the Navajo how to weave and create beauty. You can
“Looking to the past has always been a deep source of inspiration for me and is something I convey through my art and personal style,” said Zephren M. “Working with the RRL team allowed us to uniquely express our shared love of heritage and tradition while honoring the stories of the Navajo Nation.” In conjunction with the campaign, Ralph Lauren created a short film will also be open to the public, offering a selection of handcrafted silver and turquoise pieces created by Lyndon Tsosie, a silversmith who Zeffren M. previously apprenticed to.
The Zefren-M and RRL collection follows a wide range of offerings in 2023 from Niomi Glass and Polo Ralph Lauren, and in the ongoing spirit of the project, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lyndon Foundation. It preserves traditions and crafts and provides opportunities for Indigenous youth to grow while pursuing careers in the arts,” said a Ralph Lauren press release.
The collection will be available at select Ralph Lauren and RRL stores in North America, Europe and Asia starting November 7th, and on the Ralph Lauren webstore and app in the US and Canada on November 14th, followed by China It is scheduled to be released on November 14th through Japanese e-commerce. November 18th.