PRL x TÓPA Earth’s Embrace Beaded Belt

Presenting Polo Ralph Lauren x TÓPA, a continuing collaboration of the Ralph Lauren Artist in Residence programme, reflecting our evolved design approach with the artisans and communities who 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. Crafted with full-grain leather, this unisex belt’s hand-beaded design creates a visual interpretation of balance and harmony, with star and cloud motifs symbolising the reflection of the sky above to the land below. Its intricately rendered colours include blue hues that represent the sky, water and protection, while green signifies healing, renewal and Mother Earth. As an integral element of artistic and cultural expression for members of the Oceti Sakowin, beading upholds an ethos in which time-intensive handwork expresses love, affection and appreciation.