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Ralph Lauren is adding another milestone to his repository of Americana: the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The New York-based designer was honoured by outgoing US President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House Saturday afternoon. Lauren is the first fashion designer to receive the award since it was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
The award is widely acknowledged as the highest civilian honour and is bestowed upon figures who have significantly contributed to national and security interests, world peace, or cultural figures with great influence on the public. Former recipients of the award include activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, actress Meryl Streep and gymnast Simone Biles.
Born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx in New York City, Lauren founded the business in 1967 after spending two years in the United States Army and a brief stint as sales assistant at Brooks Brothers. The brand initially sold men’s ties but has in over 50 years grown to include lines for men, women and children as well as homeware and fragrance, under labels and offshoots including Polo Ralph Lauren and Double RL, as well as a string of restaurants and cafes. Ralph Lauren has also been the official outfitter of Team USA at the Olympics since 2008.
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Over the years, the company has remained a stalwart in the American luxury industry. Even as its competitors face a slowdown due to customers rejecting price hikes, the brand has continued with its own elevation strategy. The company reported a net revenue increase of 9 percent to $1.7 billion during its second quarter, compared to the same period a year prior.
Throughout his career, Lauren has also been awarded an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur for his contributions as a designer and entrepreneur.
Anna Wintour, US Vogue editor-in-chief and chief content officer at Conde Nast, was also among the awardees on Saturday. Wintour, who has been a supporter of the Democratic Party including raising funds for Biden’s candidacy, was recognised for her ability to use “fashion as a mirror to reflect our culture.”
Other recipients of the award during Saturday’s ceremony included actor Denzel Washington, former first lady, senator and Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton, and footballer Lionel Messi.
