Ralph Lauren is making history as the first fashion designer to ever receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The style icon, 85, will be presented with the award – the nation’s highest civilian honor – by President Biden, 82, in Washington, DC this afternoon.
The New York native was chosen by Biden for his “outstanding contributions as a visionary designer, trailblazing entrepreneur, innovative business leader and dedicated philanthropist.”
“His story is a profound testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity, determination and the American dream,” a Ralph Lauren Corporation representative said in a statement.
Lauren’s clothes have long been loved and worn by President Biden and First Lady Jill, 73, who notably attended the designer’s Spring 2025 New York Fashion Week show in The Hamptons last September.
Biden has awarded 37 Medals of Freedom since taking office, with Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, Nancy Pelosi and Denzel Washington among others honored.
Lauren’s wife of 60 years, Ricky, and their three children, Andrew, David and Dylan, are expected to attend the ceremony.
Lauren, born Ralph Lipschitz, grew up in The Bronx before launching an eponymous jewelry line in the mid-1960s.
From there, the visionary designer began creating clothing for men and women, transforming the way America dressed.
Signature clothing such as Polo shirts and Ralph Lauren bear sweaters have become staples of the American wardrobe.
The designer has also dressed some of the country’s most powerful people, including politicians, princesses, celebrities and even the US Olympic team.
But Lauren has sold more than just clothes. Combining East Coast preparation with Western cowboy cool, he’s also selling an aspirational idea of America itself.
“I don’t design clothes, I design dreams”, the well-known film lover once declared.
“Through his cinematic advertisements and the sophisticated beauty of his stores and restaurants, Lauren has redefined American style,” said Ralph Lauren Corporation representative.
Over the decades, the Ralph Lauren brand has expanded beyond clothing, selling accessories, fragrances and home decor – making the designer one of the richest men in the biz.
Lauren has amassed a personal fortune of $10.8 billion, according to Forbes, while the Ralph Lauren Corporation brought in $6.63 billion in revenue last year.
Lauren has become a prominent philanthropist, with his Ralph Lauren Corporation Foundation donating tens of millions of dollars to various causes since its founding in 2001.
Among the issues close to Lauren’s heart: cancer care and prevention and environmental protection.
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