Ralph Lauren have named James Jeter the Creative Director for their Polo Line - making him the first black creative director for the brand

In a historic move, James M. Jeter '13 was promoted to Creative Director, Design & Brand Direction for Men's Polo at Ralph Lauren. He is the first Black Creative Director in the 57 year history of Polo Ralph Lauren.

Jeter, who has spent the entirety of his career with the brand, climbed the corporate ladder from intern to design associate to a lead designer of the watershed Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Collection by Polo Ralph Lauren that launched in 2022. That opportunity occurred in part because when Ralph Lauren himself asked Jeter how he was doing in the wake of the racial tumult of the Summer of 2020, Jeter answered honestly, seizing the moment and asserting that he felt he had no place in the future of the company, asking plainly 'was the company going to remain all-white'. This conversation led to a series of discussions between Jeter and Lauren about Jeter's experience at Morehouse, HBCU style and how he felt a collaboration between the two brands could be truly special, resulting in the historic collection.

"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. 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." - James M. Jeter '13