Ralph Lauren unveiled the campaign for its latest collection that draws inspiration from the style of students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) between 1920 and 1950. Specifically, RL pays tribute to Morehouse College and Spelman College, two historic institutions of black American education, as well as honoring the contributions of black students to the collegiate style of the United States that has become iconic globally.
Historically black colleges and universities are those U.S. colleges and universities founded prior to the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of helping African-American communities. In fact, before 1964, these minorities were practically excluded from the opportunity to receive a high-level education because the basic education was reserved primarily for whites.
Ralph Lauren has created a limited-edition capsule collection inspired by the legacy of Morehouse College and Spelman College, created by alumni currently working for the American company.
The campaign for the Polo Ralph Lauren Exclusively for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, shot by Nadine Ijewere, is the brand’s first with an all-black cast.
About the collection, Ralph Lauren, who serves as CCO and executive chairman of Ralph Lauren Corp at this time, said: “the collection is meant to showcase and highlight the vibrant history, deep sense of community and legacy of a timeless clothing style.” He added, “It’s much more than a representation of collegiate design. It’s about sharing a fuller and more authentic portrait of American style and the American dream, ensuring that stories of black lives and experiences are incorporated into the inspiration and aspiration of our brand”.
In addition to the stunning campaign photos, Ralph Lauren also released a film titled “A Portrait of the American Dream”, shot at the Ray Charles Center for the Performing Arts in Morehouse that will premiere March 28 on the official Ralph Lauren website.
