Ralph Lauren has joined the ranks of esteemed individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Ronald Reagan, and Maya Angelou, as he receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden
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Ralph Lauren, the iconic fashion designer, has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian award in the United States.
The award celebrates Lauren’s exceptional contributions as a visionary designer, pioneering entrepreneur, innovative business leader, and committed philanthropist.
As the executive chairman and chief creative officer of Ralph Lauren Corp., Lauren is the first fashion designer in history to receive this prestigious distinction, marking a significant recognition of his transformative impact on American culture and society.
“America is my country—my home, and its history, traditions, and values have always been an inspiration. To receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, personally conferred by the President of the United States, is the honor of a lifetime. As a proud American citizen, I accept it with gratitude and great humility,” Lauren said in a statement to WWD on Saturday.
Lauren was among 18 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including José Andrés, Bono, Ashton Baldwin Carter, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumously), Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumously), William Sanford Nye, George W. Romney (posthumously), David M. Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., Denzel Washington, and Anna Wintour.
Notably, soccer star Lionel Messi was also selected as a recipient but was unable to attend the ceremony or send a representative due to a scheduling conflict.