James Jeter is one of those people that exemplify success through hard work. He graduated college in 2013 but had already been working at Ralph Lauren as a Rugby Sales Associate in 2008 and then later as a Concept Design intern. From there he kept climbing until the company named him as Creative Director in 2024, the first Black professional to hold such a post in its 57-year history.
In that job, he soon launched the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection, a love letter to the historic Black beach town in Martha’s Vineyard. He’s intimated that the 62-piece collection isn’t just about clothes; it’s about honoring legacy and culture, and he worked closely with local groups in the Vineyard to ensure that.
He’s also a vocal supporter of Ralph Lauren’s sustainability efforts, which last year included launching a denim recycling program and achieving a 34% reduction in carbon emissions.
Finally, 2025 also saw him work closely with his alma mater, Morehouse College, helping to organize Ralph Lauren’s $2 million scholarship pledge to HBCU students. From intern to creative director, Jeter is championing inclusivity, diversity and some much-needed social consciousness.
