Polo Ralph Lauren continues its Artist in Residence program with a meaningful new collaboration alongside TÓPA, an Indigenous-led label rooted in the cultural traditions of the Oceti Sakowin nation. The capsule brings together Polo’s timeless silhouettes with the symbolic motifs, craftsmanship, and visual language of the Northern Plains peoples.
A Cross-Cultural Capsule With Deep Roots
The limited-edition collection spans intarsia V-neck sweaters, chore coats, trousers, and outerwear, each detailed with TÓPA’s signature border patterns inspired by the Dakotas’ valley trails. A standout piece — a studded leather jacket — carries four-pointed star motifs and a mirrored thípi graphic across the back, offering a bold blend of Americana and ancestral storytelling.
Founders and partners Jocy and Trae Little Sky named their brand TÓPA, meaning “four” in Oceti Sakowin, honoring the number’s cultural significance and presence across Northern Plains design traditions. Their work bridges modern fashion and Indigenous heritage, drawing from time-honored craft techniques such as quilling, beadwork, and leatherwork — methods they continue to preserve through handmade regalia worn during Pow Wows.
Honoring Culture Through Craft
“We’ve long admired Ralph Lauren and how the brand brings worlds to life through its designs and storytelling,” said Jocy. “This collaboration honors our community, culture, and way of life, and we hope it inspires people to be proud of who they are and where they come from.”
In keeping with the program’s mission, Polo Ralph Lauren will donate 5% of the purchase price of each item to Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation in support of its Lakota Language and Education Initiative.
Launched in 2023, Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence program aims to uplift heritage craftsmanship by working directly with artisans and cultural stewards to co-create thoughtful, mutually beneficial collections.