Ralph Lauren Makes Fashion History With Top Civilian Honor
The New York Times
After decades of being nearly synonymous with American fashion, the 85-year-old became the first fashion designer to win the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
On Saturday, the United States of America’s clothier in chief met its commander in chief, as Ralph Lauren became the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Dressed in a tweed blazer, a knit necktie and squishy dark sneakers, Mr. Lauren, 85, was described in an introduction as “classic yet creative, timeless yet innovative.” He was praised for reminding “us of our distinct style as a nation of dreamers and doers.”
Established by John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It has been bestowed upon a host of cultural, corporate and political figures, including Babe Ruth, Mother Teresa, Julia Child, Warren Buffett, John McCain and Rush Limbaugh.
If ever there was a fashion designer worthy of this award, it is Mr. Lauren. A son of the Bronx, Mr. Lauren marketed a preppy image to the upwardly mobile masses, building his eponymous company into a multimillion dollar corporation — one he remains executive chairman and chief creative officer of nearly a half-century after he founded it.
The fashion world, which had been largely absent from the event in the past, was well represented at the White House on Saturday. Joining Mr. Lauren in receiving the gilded medallion from President Biden was Anna Wintour, a steely Brit (and longtime supporter of Democratic causes) who has been Vogue’s editor in chief since 1988.
