Ralph Lauren, the American fashion brand, has formed a groundbreaking collaboration with indigenous artist Naiomi Glasses, leaving everyone online in awe. Unveiling the inaugural drop of a capsule collection through its Artist in Residence program on December 5. The fashion icon showcased products designed by the distinguished seventh-generation Diné weaver and textile artist. An icon in fashion, Ralph Lauren brought to light a very important pledge for the Navajos.
A very important pledge for the Navajos
Naiomi Glasses’ creations circle three limited edition drops for men’s and women’s wear, unisex apparel, and accessories. The term “Diné” translates to “the people,” the self-reference used by Navajos. Naiomi, expressing her excitement, stated, “I’m really excited to share not only my designs but the beauty of Diné way of life with the world.”
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A stern figure of the Navajo community, Naoimi Glasses is the face behind the movement
Hailing from Rock Point, Arizona, within the Navajo Nation, Naiomi learned weaving from her paternal grandmother and brother, who also serves as her design partner. Ralph Lauren, founded in 1967, has proved itself to be a disciple of a precise “Americana” aesthetic characterized by iconic polo shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and khakis.
Son of Ralph Lauren, David Lauren spoke for the brand
David Lauren, the company’s chief branding and innovation officer and son of founder Ralph Lauren, emphasized, “We are a window for the world into America — not just American style.” Naiomi Glasses, the famous seventh-generation Diné weaver and textile artist, designed the brand’s new products. Naiomi highlighted the value of including designers of Indigenous descent in Americana fashion. Stating, “This collection will broaden what ‘Americana’ fashion can be.”
Designing beautiful, meaningful pieces
Aside from her design prowess, Naiomi is an activist and gained fame on TikTok for showing off her impressive skateboard tricks while adorned in traditional clothing. She reportedly reimagined Ralph Lauren’s signature silhouettes, such as the Great Ranch Coat.
Naiomi worked closely with Ralph Lauren’s design teams to infuse meaningful Diné motifs into the collection
This includes directional weaving patterns and the Spider Woman cross symbol. She explained, “The spider woman is a deity from our Navajo creation story, who taught Navajos how to weave.” The collaboration also serves as an opportunity to reclaim “Americana,” with Naiomi emphasizing the use of traditional Diné design elements.
“I already had envisioned what would look really beautiful on it.”
Ralph Lauren’s photographic and filmographic campaign for the collaboration features indigenous models like Quannah Chasinghorse and Phillip Bread, alongside musician Mato Mayuhi. The campaign includes Naiomi, her brother Tyler, and their parents, forming an all-indigenous cast.
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“For the longest time, Americana fashion hasn’t had designers of Indigenous descent, and we are the first people of this land,” Naiomi explained
Naiomi emphasized the importance of having an all-indigenous cast. Stating, “It was important to me that we have an all-indigenous cast. But we wanted those behind the scenes to be indigenous, from the photographers to the people working on hair and makeup. These are opportunities that aren’t often given to people in our community. This was a time to show indigenous excellence.”
“As an indigenous person, this makes me feel like it’s the beginning of a huge milestone,” one of the models said
The collaboration received significant attention on Ralph Lauren’s official TikTok page, garnering praise for giving visibility to the indigenous community, which is often underrepresented in mainstream media. In light of the low representation of Native Americans in US TV and film, and the prevalence of negative or misleading portrayals, Naiomi’s collaboration with Ralph Lauren is seen as a powerful step in reclaiming Native American narratives in the media.
Distinctive style
Naiomi’s distinctive style seamlessly blends traditional Diné woven textiles and turquoise jewelry with contemporary elements such as denim jackets, skirts, and sneakers. “In a production that big, just having that connection with a community of people that you knew being there, it felt special,” said Glasses. “There were a lot of people I hold near and dear.”
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Sources
- Instagram. naiomiglasses
- “A groundbreaking new Ralph Lauren collection celebrates Indigenous design.” CNN. Fawnia Soo Hoo. December 05, 2023