Polo Ralph Lauren has teamed up with TÓPA, an Indigenous-led clothing brand, to create an exclusive collection that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Oceti Sakowin nation.
This marks the fourth collaboration under Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence program, a project dedicated to fostering cultural preservation and empowering communities. This initiative highlights the significance of cultural exchange and the strength found in community support. TÓPA is helmed by Jocy and Trae Little Sky, who are not only award-winning performers and designers but also proud representatives of the Oceti Sakowin. Their brand celebrates traditional arts, utilising cherished techniques such as quilling, beading, and leatherwork to craft traditional pieces. Each item reflects their rich heritage through skilled, handcrafted artistry.
“TÓPA founders Jocy and Trae Little Sky showcase authentic designs and share the rich stories of the Oceti Sakowin and Northern Plains Nations through the collaboration, infusing tradition with their artistry and craft techniques. Geometric patterns draw inspiration from the western hills of South Dakota, while the four key colors of the collection nod to significant cultural elements, like the four directions. Through traditional practices, including handcrafting regalia and dancing in Pow Wow, Jocy and Trae Little Sky honor and preserve their Northern Plains culture. Brought to life in the latest collaboration, #PoloRalphLauren x #TÓPA, the #RLArtistInResidence program honours heritage craft and those who have sustained these traditions for generations. Bold geometrics. Traditional patterns. Modern silhouettes,” reads the announcement post of the brand on Instagram.
This collaboration brings together Polo’s timeless style with TÓPA’s rich cultural designs. Featured in Polo Ralph Lauren’s Fall/Holiday 2025 collection, the range includes a variety of clothing and accessories like intarsia v-neck sweaters, chore coats, and trousers, each highlighted by TÓPA’s unique border designs inspired by the valley trails of the Dakotas.
Handcrafted regalia is a cultural treasure worn during Pow Wow dances. The collaboration draws inspiration from the land and community, featuring bold geometric patterns and symmetrical designs that echo traditional regalia and highlight the rich heritage of the Oceti Sakowin. Each design element honours significant cultural aspects, creating recurring themes throughout the collection. Notably, the significance of the thípi is thoughtfully integrated into the design details, ensuring a deep connection to the culture it represents.
Rugged landscapes of the American West have long inspired Ralph Lauren, representing a spirit of artistry and home. The four significant colors of red, black, yellow, and white, add deep cultural significance to the designs within the collection. This collaboration paints a vivid picture of tradition, weaving together artistry, community, and cultural heritage.
Jocy Little Sky, co-founder of TÓPA, said: “We’ve long admired Ralph Lauren and how the brand brings worlds to life through its designs and storytelling. This collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren honours our community, culture, and way of life, and we hope it inspires people to be proud of who they are, where they come from, and to follow their dreams. Details from the #PoloRalphLauren x #TÓPA collection echo the vibrancy of Pow Wow culture and generations of craftsmanship… this collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren honors our community, culture, and way of life.”
The tale of this partnership unfolds in a captivating short film that showcases the artistic journey of Jocy and Trae, along with their family life and cultural celebrations that have inspired the designs of Polo Ralph Lauren x TÓPA. This beautiful narrative is set against the backdrop of the ancestral lands of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations, located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.
The Ralph Lauren x TÓPA collaboration stands out as a meaningful partnership that emphasises mutual respect, authentic representation with native designers at the forefront to authentically reflect their culture and heritage, community benefit, cultural exchange, and cultural preservation. It honours Indigenous traditions while promoting cultural understanding, exemplifying true cultural appreciation rather than mere appropriation. Celebrating Indigenous culture and craftsmanship, the collection merges traditional designs with modern silhouettes, facilitating a valuable exchange of perspectives. The collaboration is about much more than just fashion. A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to the Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation, which is dedicated to the Lakota Language and Education Initiative. This vital initiative focuses on preserving Lakota culture and traditions by empowering the community through language immersion programs, traditional arts, and storytelling. The collection is currently available in North America and internationally at select Ralph Lauren stores, via the Ralph Lauren app, and on RalphLauren.com.
Pictures: Instagram