The Rich Black Culture Of Martha's Vineyard Celebrated By Polo

During the summer, Eastcoasters with lined pockets —or those attempting to play the part— flock out east, better known as the Hamptons. However, for a place with more cultural significance, Black people have called Martha’s Vineyard, located in Massachusetts, home during the warmer months. Within that enclave is the Oak Bluff coastal neighborhood, and now Ralph Lauren has dreamed up an entire collection for it.

To honor the seasonal hotspot, Polo gathered some Morehouse and Spelman alumni to showcase the collection, which exudes breezy beach vibes. Using the two HBCUs‘ signature colors of blue and burgundy, respectively, are sweatshirts, striped tees, cardigans, vests, cricket sweaters, and varsity jackets featuring each school’s Tiger and Jaguar badges.

There are even more dapper looks, thanks to a twill jacket, along with a matching busboy hat and pants, as well as a $798 patchwork jacket for the ladies. A summer-appropriate linen blazer is also available but will run you $998. The entire collection is limited edition, so they all come at a premium —even the crest pocket T-shirts are $128, and the crew neck sweatshirts to toss over your shoulders for chilly beach nights are $198. Some pieces are unrelated to either school, such as a $698 men’s pleated souvenir jacket featuring a map of Martha’s Vineyard on the back, as well as other distinct spots like Herring Pond, Chilmark, and Lambert’s Cove. The iconic polo cap even gets an update with the school’s name stitched on the back. The fan-favorite polo bear also makes an appearance on sweaters, with the figure wearing either of the school’s sweaters.

As for accessories, there are beach towels, mugs, tote bags, quilts, and belts. The entire campaign portrays the lifestyles of Black culture in the summer, featuring scenes of hanging out on old-school patios, standing on rocks, and posing in short shorts at a tennis court. From old to young, every generation is on display, proving how all-encompassing the collection is, and Lauren himself is happy that this part of the American dream is being documented. “This collection is about more than a charming coastal town; it’s a story of the American dream,” said Ralph Lauren. “Oak Bluffs’ unique history, traditions and sense of community deeply inspire me and speak to what we are all searching for – a place where you can be free, uncontrived, joyful and truly at home.” Get a better look at the entire collection below and cop your favorite pieces here.