Ralph Lauren, the renowned American fashion designer, made history this past weekend by receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Awarded by President Joe Biden at the White House, Lauren marks the milestone as the first fashion designer ever to receive this prestigious accolade.
The event took place on Saturday afternoon, with Biden using this occasion as one of his final official duties as president. During the ceremony, Lauren was honored alongside other influential figures including celebrity chef José Andrés, U2 frontman Bono, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour. This year, Biden chose nineteen recipients for the Medal, recognizing individuals for their extraordinary contributions across various fields.
“America is my country — my home and its history, traditions, and values have always been an inspiration,” Lauren stated after receiving the honor. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “To receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom conferred personally by the President of the United States is an honor of a lifetime.”
Ralph Lauren has had an indelible impact on American fashion and culture over his illustrious sixty-year career. His aesthetic blends classic American style with innovative design, creating the quintessential image of preppy sophistication. A member of the U.S. military read during the ceremony, “Ralph Lauren transformed a small necktie business... he remains a dedicated philanthropist, including fighting to end cancer as we know it.” This statement highlights not only Lauren’s significant achievements within design but also his commitment to philanthropy.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, Lauren started designing men’s ties by hand from one drawer on the 27th floor of the Empire State Building. His career took off with the launch of his “Polo” neckwear line in 1967 and subsequent full men’s collection in 1968. Over the decades, Lauren has built one of the world’s most recognizable brands, stepping beyond just fashion to influence lifestyle and culture.
Throughout the years, Lauren has received numerous accolades for his creativity and accomplishments, underscoring his role as both designer and cultural figure. He has received the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for his contributions to preserving the Star-Spangled Banner, as well as France’s Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, among other honors, showcasing his international acclaim.
Lauren’s work is not only iconic but deeply rooted in the American experience, reflecting the diverse culture and heritage of the country. His collections often showcase influences from various elements of American life—be it the polished aesthetic connected to the East Coast elite or the rugged styles emblematic of the cowboy culture, aptly showcased through his “Polo Western” and “Santa Fe” collections.
During the ceremony, Lauren donned his signature style, appearing in a crisp beige and black blazer paired with a classic white button-down shirt and black tie. This reflects not just his fashion prowess but also his personal embodiment of the American spirit he cherishes.
His brand has extended well beyond conventional fashion boundaries; it has successfully laced its way through popular culture. Lauren's clothing has found its way onto Hollywood film sets—most famously dressing Robert Redford’s character Jay Gatsby and Diane Keaton's Annie Hall.
Not only has Lauren’s fashion influence permeated the realms of entertainment, but he also broke ground by appealing to the street style and hip-hop culture, with rappers frequently seen donning his brand. This bridge between different cultural expressions showcases Lauren’s versatility and relevance.
Ralph Lauren’s impact is felt across the globe, making him as much of an auteur as his fellow legends within the arts and entertainment community. His story speaks volumes about creativity, determination, and the American Dream—a narrative the designer embodies with each collection.
This latest accolade fortifies Lauren's legacy, solidifying his place not only as a titan of the fashion industry but as someone who has used his platform for the greater good. With philanthropy at the core of his belief system, he has championed numerous causes, especially focusing on cancer research and supporting underserved communities both domestically and internationally.
Reflecting on his over six-decade-long career, Lauren offers inspiration through his story, emblematic of the boundless possibilities creativity can inspire. The Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to him recognizes such contributions, cementing his status as both pioneer and philanthropist.
From humble beginnings to the heights of fashion royalty, Ralph Lauren's reception of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just about honoring one man—it’s about celebrating the American spirit, diversity, and the potential inherent within tenacity and grace. It’s a moment cemented not only by the fashion legacy he has created but also by the values he stands for—a recognition both fitting and well-deserved.