Ralph Lauren collaborates with Gee's Bend quilters on new collection
Ralph Lauren's 'Artist in Residence' initiative has collaborated with Loretta Pettway Bennett and Claudia Pettway Charley, renowned quilters from Gee's Bend, to produce a unique collection. This line features two original quilts transformed into fashion and home items, such as a jacket, Polo Play Bag, pillows, and hand-painted ceramics. The designs utilize upcycled Ralph Lauren denim and showcase vibrant motifs rich in symbolism. Available worldwide, 5% of the sales will support the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) based in Montgomery, Alabama. Gee's Bend boasts a quilting heritage that spans over a century, deeply intertwined with themes of survival and activism. This program is part of Ralph Lauren's 'Design With Intent' initiative, which engages with historically significant communities.
Key facts
- Ralph Lauren collaborates with Gee's Bend quilters Loretta Pettway Bennett and Claudia Pettway Charley.
- Collection features two original quilts reimagined on clothing and home accessories.
- Five percent of purchase price goes to Equal Justice Initiative (EJI).
- Gee's Bend quilting tradition began during slavery; Dinah Miller is considered the mother of the movement.
- U.S. government purchased Gee's Bend in 1937; residents could buy land via low-interest loans.
- Martin Luther King Jr. visited in 1965 after ferry services were cut to prevent voting.
- Freedom Quilting Bee cooperative established in 1966.
- Ralph Lauren's 'Artist in Residence' program is part of 'Design With Intent' initiative.
Entities
Artists
- Loretta Pettway Bennett
- Claudia Pettway Charley
- Dinah Miller
- Naiomi Glasses
- Zefren-M
- Jocy Little Sky
- Trae Little Sky
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Diana Budds
- Jack Moss
- Jocy
- Tyler Glasses
Institutions
- Ralph Lauren
- Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
- Bloomingdale's
- Wallpaper*
- Rizzoli
- AnOther
- 10 Magazine
- Dazed
- Equal Justice Initiative
Locations
- Gee's Bend
- Alabama
- United States
- Montgomery
- West Africa
- Italy