Summary
- Polo Ralph Lauren works with TÓPA, an Indigenous label from the Oceti Sakowin nation, on a collection merging traditional designs with contemporary pieces.
- The capsule features sweaters, coats, and jackets with motifs including thípi graphics and four-pointed stars.
- Five percent of each purchase goes to Thunder Valley CDC's Lakota Language and Education Initiative.
Polo Ralph Lauren adds TÓPA to its Artist in Residence program, bringing Indigenous design traditions from the Northern Plains to a new audience. The collaboration pairs TÓPA's cultural motifs with Polo's fall collection, creating pieces that honor ancestral craftsmanship while fitting modern wardrobes.
TÓPA, led by Jocy and Trae Little Sky, takes its name from the word for "four" in the languages of the Oceti Sakowin nation. The number holds deep significance in the cultural traditions of the Northern Plains peoples, appearing throughout their design work. Jocy comes from the Dakota and Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. Trae identifies as Oglala Lakota and Stoney Nakoda. Together, they maintain ancestral techniques through handmade regalia worn at Pow Wows, using methods like quilling, beading, and leatherwork.
The collection includes intarsia v-neck sweaters, chore coats, and trousers decorated with TÓPA's border designs. These patterns draw inspiration from the visually distinct valley trails of the Dakotas. A studded leather jacket stands out with four-pointed stars and a mirrored thípi graphic on the back. Each piece combines TÓPA's traditional visual elements with Polo's classic silhouettes.
"We've long admired Ralph Lauren and how the brand brings worlds to life through its designs and storytelling," Jocy said. "This collaboration with Polo Ralph Lauren honors 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."
The partnership extends beyond product design. Ralph Lauren directs five percent of the purchase price from each item to Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation. The funds support the organization's Lakota Language and Education Initiative, which works to preserve and teach Indigenous languages to younger generations.
Ralph Lauren launched its Artist in Residence program in 2023. The initiative connects the company with artisans who practice heritage crafts, creating capsule collections that benefit both parties. The program aims to sustain traditional techniques by introducing them to wider markets while compensating artisans fairly for their work.
TÓPA represents a generation of Indigenous designers working to keep cultural practices alive through contemporary fashion. The label merges modern styles with visual traditions specific to the Northern Plains, making ancestral designs accessible to people both within and outside their communities. Their work with Polo Ralph Lauren provides a platform to share these traditions on an international scale.
The collection arrived as part of Polo Ralph Lauren's fall offerings. Each piece features details specific to TÓPA's design language, from border patterns to star motifs. The collaboration shows how traditional craftsmanship fits within modern retail spaces while maintaining cultural integrity.
For TÓPA, the partnership offers visibility and financial support for their broader mission of cultural preservation. For Polo Ralph Lauren, the Artist in Residence program continues to demonstrate how fashion brands work with communities to honor and sustain heritage crafts. The collection serves both commercial and cultural purposes, introducing customers to Indigenous design traditions while channeling resources back to education initiatives.
The Little Skys built TÓPA around the principle that fashion offers a way to keep cultural traditions active and relevant. Their partnership with Polo Ralph Lauren follows this principle, using a mainstream platform to share Indigenous artistry with people who might never encounter it otherwise.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.