PRL x TÓPA Star Winds Leather Jacket

Introducing Polo Ralph Lauren Lauren x TÓPA, the newest collaboration of the Ralph Lauren Lauren Artist in Residence programme, reflecting our evolved design approach with the artisans and communities that inspire us. This collection features the artistry of wife-and-husband duo Jocy and Trae Little Sky-founders of the clothing brand TÓPA and proud members of the Oceti Sakowin (People of Seven Council Fires); Jocy is of Dakota and Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations (MHA/Dakota), and Trae is Oglala Lakota and Stoney Nakoda. Their creations merge modern silhouettes with distinctive Indigenous cultural elements to honour and preserve ancestral traditions while reflecting the beauty and vibrancy of their Northern Plains heritage. The name TÓPA, meaning “four” in the languages of the Oceti Sakowin, symbolises the four directions, four seasons, four stages of life and four meaningful colours. Hand-sanded and hand-painted, this unisex leather jacket is inspired by vintage photographs of Trae and Jocy’s motorcycle-enthusiast grandfathers and their rides through the Dakotas. On the sleeve is a four-directional star motif, symbolising the ongoing nature of life, and a thípi, which is believed to offer protection. A “Riders Club” graphic unites the tradition of horse riding with the artists’ family history of motorcycle riding. It is accented by metal tack work, a process that is significant to Northern Plains Native Nations for its symbolism of love, affection and appreciation.