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For the latest installment of Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence programme, our design teams partnered with the artisans of historic Gee’s Bend, Alabama, whose multigenerational stories of heritage quilting have long defined American artistry. Born from necessity and resourcefulness, the distinct visual language of their quilts – passed down and preserved by the community’s geographically isolated location–has been shaped by generations of creativity and resilience.
Ralph Lauren x Gee’s Bend celebrates one of the nation’s most influential artistic communities, honouring a living heritage of craft, storytelling, and ingenuity.
“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.”
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Meet the Artisans
For generations, the artisans of Gee’s Bend have learned the art of quiltmaking, using found materials to create functional works of art. Discover their renowned craftsmanship, design inspiration, and personal stories
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Claudia Pettway Charley
A fourth-generation Gee’s Bend textile artist, Claudia Pettway Charley creates colourful, abstract works that evoke emotion and reflect her surroundings. Her quilts are defined by an intuitive, improvisational approach, allowing each to evolve organically like a living organism born from natural, repurposed textiles.
Raised in a family of master textile artists, Claudia was immersed in this art form from an early age, absorbing the techniques and traditions that would later define her work.
Loretta Pettway Bennett
As a celebrated textile artist, Loretta Pettway Bennett makes quilts that are collected by museums and institutions globally. She is known for her striking, graphic pieces that transform everyday materials into powerful expressions of family, resilience, and heritage.
Taught by her grandmother and the women in her family, Loretta learned how to quilt as part of everyday life, transforming discarded denim, worn clothing, and fabric remnants into visually striking and functional works of art.
“Working with Ralph Lauren was a collaborative process, and they gave us the freedom to create as we always have, in the Gee’s Bend way. I hope each piece conveys the time, care, and love behind them and gives a little taste of the Gee’s Bend experience.”
– Loretta Pettway Bennett
“Coming from a small rural community in Alabama, I never imagined I would be sitting at the table talking about a project with Ralph Lauren. This collaboration showed me that people from communities like Gee’s Bend can dream big and see those dreams become a reality.”
– Claudia Pettway Charley
The Partnership
Since its founding, heritage and tradition have been at the centre of Ralph Lauren’s design ethos, inspired by the lands, cultures, and artistry that make up the fabric of America.
Each piece from the Ralph Lauren x Gee’s Bend collection celebrates the living heritage of the Gee’s Bend community, highlighting exceptional artisanal skill and a commitment to ingenuity and craftsmanship
