The Designer Was Celebrated for a Career That Made a Legendary Impact on American Fashion
On January 4 in Washington, D.C., fashion icon Ralph Lauren was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. This prestigious ceremony marked Lauren as the first fashion designer to receive this honor, underscoring his remarkable impact on American culture and society. The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s prosperity, values, security, or world peace.
The medal has been awarded to impactful figures across activism and art like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, and more recently, athletes like Billie Jean King and Simone Biles. Lauren’s recognition reflects his enduring influence as a visionary in fashion, an innovative business leader, and a committed philanthropist.
His other accolades include the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from France, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, making him the first American designer to be so honored. Additionally, Lauren has received multiple honors from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, including Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Fashion Legend Award.