Artist in Residence

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For the latest installment of Ralph Lauren's Artist in Residence programme, our design team collaborated with wife-and-husband duo Jocy and Trae Little Sky. As proud members of the Oceti Sakowin and founders of the clothing brand TÓPA, Jocy and Trae merge modern silhouettes with distinctive Indigenous design elements that reflect the beauty and vibrancy of their Northern Plains culture. In this first collaboration with an Indigenous-led brand, the partnership honours the Northern Plains heritage of Jocy and Trae and carries forward the stories and symbols that shape their identity

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“Bringing the most authentic expression of heritage craft to life means working with those who have created and sustained these timeless traditions for centuries and sharing their stories with the world.”

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Jocy & Trae Little Sky

Jocy and Trae Little Sky are award-winning performers, designers, artists, and proud members of the Oceti Sakowin (People of Seven Council Fires). Jocy is of Dakota and Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations, and Trae is Oglala Lakota and Stoney Nakoda

The Little Skys honour their heritage and preserve their culture through traditional practices, including creating handcrafted regalia, dancing in Pow Wow, and learning their ancestral language as a family. Sustaining their Lako Wicoh'an (way of life) and Lakol woyukcan (thought) is an important aspect of their everyday life

TÓPA

Their brand, TÓPA, means "four" in the languages of the Oceti Sakowin. This represents significant cultural elements, including the four directions, four dimensions of well-being, four seasons, four stages of life, and four meaningful colours: red, black, yellow, and white

In harmony with Ralph Lauren's dream of a better life, TÓPA weaves together the essential dimensions of wellness – mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual – creating not just fashion, but a path to living beautifully and authentically

Details of Craftsmanship

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Patternwork

Thoughtfully placed borders and the use of geometric shapes often reflect the landscape, representing the western hills of South Dakota. These motifs symbolise natural elements and all living beings, which are core values throughout the designs

Mirroring & Symmetry

Reflecting the balance between the sky and the earth, these symmetrical patterns are filled with energy and convey a sense of interconnectedness, strength, and harmony

Intentional Colours

Inspired by cultural elements, a palette of four meaningful colours – red, yellow, white, and black – is symbolic of strength, good guidance, purity, and new beginnings