Artist in Residence

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As proud members of the Oceti Sakowin and founders of the clothing brand TÓPA, Ralph Lauren artists in residence Jocy and Trae Little Sky merge modern silhouettes with distinctive Indigenous design elements that reflect the beauty and vibrancy of their Northern Plains culture.

In this second collaboration, Polo Ralph Lauren and TÓPA expand upon the vision of the first collection, further exploring the stories, artistry, and traditions that have shaped Jocy and Trae’s Northern Plains heritage

Design With Intent

“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.”

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

Carefully curated and considered, the second collection places a greater emphasis on beadwork, handcrafted artistry, and the enduring relationship between people, the land, and Plant Relatives

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Beadwork

Preserving authentic layouts and techniques unique to Jocy and Trae’s artistic practice, intricate beaded details reflect the precision, care, and craftsmanship that have been passed down through generations

Plant & Floral Motifs

Motifs of flowers, medicinal plants, seeds, and celestial symbols honour Plant Relatives and the life-giving relationship between people and nature. These designs celebrate generations of knowledge surrounding nourishment, healing, ceremony, and stewardship of the land

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

The second collection’s palette of rich blues, greens, reds, purples, yellows, black, and white was thoughtfully chosen to evoke the Northern Plains’ landscape, medicinal plants, seasonal change, and enduring cultural teachings