Ralph Lauren launches collection with world-famous Alabama quilting artists

Ralph Lauren has officially joined forces with the legendary textile artists of Gee’s Bend. This high-profile collaboration breathes new life into the Alabama community’s century-old quilting heritage, blending deep-rooted tradition with modern home goods and contemporary apparel.

A Partnership of Generations

This creative endeavor teams the iconic fashion house with fourth-generation textile artist Claudia Pettway Charley and fifth-generation master Loretta Pettway Bennett. Both artists are world-renowned for their work, which has been long celebrated as a premier American art form.

This collection represents the fifth iteration of the company’s Artist in Residence program. Through its Design With Intent initiative, the brand is shifting toward direct collaboration with the communities that have historically inspired its aesthetic.

Mastering the Craft

The women of Gee’s Bend have been perfecting their quilt-making craft for over a century, transforming salvaged materials into functional masterpieces. The new collection captures that signature improvisational spirit, utilizing bold geometric patterns, visible topstitching, and freeform lines.

Each piece carries deep personal significance. For example, the collection features Pettway Bennett’s iconic red triangle motif—a tribute to her sons—alongside the distinct color palettes and complex compositions curated by Pettway Charley. To maintain authenticity, the apparel is crafted from upcycled Ralph Lauren fabrics, with denim serving as a foundational material that bridges the gap between high fashion and the traditional, durable workwear fabrics native to Gee’s Bend.

Supporting the Community

Beyond textiles, the collection features hand-painted Italian ceramic tableware, intentionally designed with the same asymmetrical, handcrafted aesthetic found in the quilts. The partnership also has a significant philanthropic impact: 205focus.com notes that 5% of all purchase proceeds will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery.

These donations are specifically earmarked for the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide hunger relief to low-income families throughout Alabama. The full collection has been available globally since July 30 and can be found via the Ralph Lauren app, select retail locations, or online at RalphLauren.com.