He’s the first in the brand’s 57-year history!
James M. Jeter is an alum of the illustrious Morehouse College, getting his start as an intern with Ralph Lauren, Morehouse reports. Jeter climbed the corporate ladder, promoted to design associate, and then lead designer of the Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Collection that launched in 2022. The collection was spurred in part by the racial uprisings of 2020. When asked how he felt by founder Ralph Lauren himself, Jeter answered honestly, pointing to his own uncertainty with the company and asking Lauren if the legacy brand would “remain all-white.” The result was a series of discussions that led to the HBCU-inspired collection.
Now Jeter is making waves again, recently named the new Creative Director, Design & Brand Direction for Men’s Polo at Ralph Lauren. The brand has seen a recent resurgence with young Black consumers, and Jeter will be heading up the new wave. His appointment is historic, with Jeter becoming the first Black Creative Director in the brand’s 57-year history.
“It’s always a special feeling when goals and aspirations manifest into reality, a feeling that words can’t always capture. I still remember my first day starting at the Rugby store in Georgetown when I was 16 years old,” said Jeter.
He encouraged other young people to follow their dreams, reminding them to stay the course and believe in themselves.
“To those of you beginning your careers with big dreams, just know that if I could do it, you can too. This milestone is the result of the mentorship, sponsorship, and encouragement of many incredible people to whom I am forever indebted.”
Cover photo: Morehouse Alum James Jeter Makes History as First Black Creative Director of Ralph Lauren/Photo credit: James M. Jeter/Instagram