Ralph Lauren has made history as the first fashion designer to ever receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The style icon, 85, was presented the award — the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Biden, 82, in Washington on Saturday afternoon.
“America is my country — my home and its history, traditions and values have always been an inspiration,” Lauren told The Post.
“To receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom conferred personally by the President of the United States is an honor of a lifetime. As a proud American citizen, I accept it with gratitude and great humility.”
The style icon, 85, was presented the award — the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Biden, 82, in Washington, DC on Saturday afternoon. REUTERS
Lauren is pictured in the 1990s.
The NYC native was one of 19 recipients awarded the medal at Saturday’s ceremony, with Anna Wintour, Hillary Clinton and Michael J. Fox among the other notable names honored.
Lauren was chosen by Biden for his “extraordinary contributions as a visionary designer, trailblazing entrepreneur, innovative business leader, and dedicated philanthropist.”
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.
Lauren is pictured with his wife family. From left: Son-in-law Paul Arrouet, daughter Dylan, wife Ricky, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Lauren, and son David. Getty ImagesLauren, born Ralph Lipschitz, grew up in The Bronx before launching an eponymous line of ties in the mid-1960s.
From there, the visionary designer began creating clothing for both men and women, transforming the way America dressed.
Signature garments such as the Polo shirt and Ralph Lauren bear sweater have become staples of the American wardrobe.
Lauren is pictured at a fashion show in 1999. AFP via Getty Images
First Lady Jill Biden is seen at a Ralph Lauren Fashion Show last September. The Washington Post via Getty ImagesThe 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 been selling more than just clothes. By combining East Coast prep with the cowboy cool of the West, he’s also been selling an aspirational ideaof America itself.
“I don’t design clothes, I design dreams,” the avowed movie lover once declared.
“Through his cinematic advertising, and the intricate beauty of his stores and restaurants, Lauren has redefined American style,” the rep for the Ralph Lauren Corporation stated.
The designer has also dressed some of the country’s most powerful people, including politicians, princesses, celebrities, supermodels and even the US Olympic team. He is pictured with Princess Diana and Anna Wintour at a fundraiser in the 1990s. AFP via Getty ImagesOver the decades, the Ralph Lauren brand has expanded beyond apparel, selling accessories, fragrances and home decor – making the designer one of the wealthiest men in the biz.
Lauren has amassed a personal net worth 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 establishment in 2001.
Lauren is pictured with Bill and Hillary Clinton in the 1990s. Getty Images
Ralph and Ricky Lauren pose with Taylor Swift at the 2010 Met Gala. Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesAmong the issues close to Lauren’s heart: cancer care and prevention and environmental advocacy.
