Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs Collection Is a Masterclass in Classic Summer Style
Ralph Lauren has unveiled the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection, a limited-edition line that celebrates the historic Martha's Vineyard community while continuing the brand's partnership with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. The collection launches globally on July 24, 2025.
Oak Bluffs: A Century of Cultural Heritage
Oak Bluffs has served as a coastal haven for Black communities for more than a century. Martha's Vineyard became a significant destination during the early 20th century for middle-class Black families seeking refuge from segregation and discrimination. During this period, Oak Bluffs was the only town on Martha's Vineyard that welcomed Black visitors, as segregation laws prohibited Black tourists from staying elsewhere on the island.
Notable figures who purchased homes in Oak Bluffs during this era include entrepreneur Madame CJ Walker and politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Today, the community continues to attract prominent Black Americans, with the Obama family and filmmaker Spike Lee among its residents.
Collection Details and Design
The collection was conceptualized and designed by Morehouse and Spelman alumni working at Ralph Lauren, building on the brand's successful 2022 collaboration with both historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The range includes both menswear and womenswear that combines classic collegiate style with coastal leisurewear.
Key pieces in the collection include:
- A maroon-and-white satin varsity jacket featuring Morehouse's Maroon Tiger mascot
- An ivory-and-light-blue patchwork cardigan showcasing Spelman's Jaguar mascot alongside campus landmarks
- Quilted souvenir jackets and matching quilted blankets with patches paying tribute to Oak Bluffs' nautical traditions
- Maritime cable knits and sun-faded sweaters
- Twill jackets with embroidered island landscapes and motifs
- Classic sport caps in white, red, and navy
- Canvas totes and maritime-inspired striped pieces
Maritime-inspired stripes and embroidered details throughout the collection reference pastimes enjoyed in Oak Bluffs, from bike rides along Sea View Avenue to the community's beloved "five-to-sevens" – front porch socials that take place before dusk.
Campaign and Documentary
The campaign was directed by author, director, and producer Cole Brown, who brings decades of personal experience summering on Martha's Vineyard to the project. Photography was handled by Nadine Ijewere, with video footage shot by Azariah Bjørvig – both returning after their work on the award-winning 2022 Polo Ralph Lauren campaign with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges.
Accompanying the collection is a short documentary titled "A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs," which premieres on YouTube on July 24, 2025. The film blends scenic campaign footage with archival imagery and features stories from seasonal visitors, year-round residents, multi-generational homeowners, local business owners, community historians, and Morehouse and Spelman faculty, students, and alumni. A special screening and panel discussion will take place at the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 8, 2025.
Community Partnerships
Ralph Lauren has partnered with The Cottagers, Inc., a nonprofit organization comprising 100 Black female homeowners on Martha's Vineyard focused on architectural and cultural preservation. The brand worked closely with various organizations to source archival footage and historical knowledge, including:
- The Martha's Vineyard African American Heritage Trail
- The Martha's Vineyard Museum
- The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Advisors at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges
Ralph Lauren continues its partnership with the United Negro College Fund, supporting HBCU scholarships and fostering early talent development and recruitment opportunities.
Availability
The Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection will be available on RalphLauren.com, the Ralph Lauren app, select Ralph Lauren stores, and Morehouse and Spelman College bookstores. Due to high demand, each style is limited to two pieces per person.
