With just days remaining in the Oval Office, President Joe Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 recipients, including Ralph Lauren. Lauren, now the first fashion designer to receive the nation’s highest civilian honour, was celebrated in a White House ceremony on January 4 for his contributions to American style and philanthropy.
Key Takeaways
- Ralph Lauren is now the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It was awarded for Lauren’s philanthropic contributions, including his efforts in cancer care and cultural preservation.
- Lauren started the business in 1967 from a tiny office at the Empire State building. His first breakthrough came when Neiman Marcus ordered 1,200 ties.
- He stepped down from his position as CEO in 2015; His son, David, is chief branding and innovation officer.
- Lauren was ranked 110th on the Forbes List of 400 Wealthiest Americans in 2024.
- Other notable Medal of Freedom recipients this year include Hilary Clinton, Denzel Washington, Simone Biles, Anna Wintour, and Michael J. Fox.
Big Number
$10.8 billion: Ralph Lauren’s estimated net worth according to Forbes, with his company generating $6.63 billion in revenue last year.
Crucial Quote
“America is my country — my home and its history, traditions, and values have always been an inspiration. To receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom is an honour of a lifetime,” Lauren said during the ceremony.
Key Background
Born in the Bronx, New York, Ralph Lauren’s journey from designing ties in a drawer to building a global fashion empire is a quintessential American success story. His brand, known for its classic Polo shirts and timeless preppy style, has become a symbol of American aspiration and achievement.
Lauren’s designs have dressed U.S. presidents, Olympians, and celebrities, blending East Coast prep with cowboy cool. His influence later extended beyond clothing into homeware, fragrances, and hospitality.
Beyond fashion, Lauren has made a significant mark in philanthropy, particularly in cancer care and cultural preservation. He founded the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, which has funded cancer research and provided support to underserved communities.
“For the final time as president I have the honour bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honour, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said.
“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country,” Biden said Saturday.
Tangent
Lauren’s influence extends to the sporting world, including his role as the official outfitter of the Australian Open. For five consecutive years, Ralph Lauren has dressed ball kids and staff in eco-friendly, moisture-wicking uniforms made from recycled materials.
Fans attending the Australian Open can purchase exclusive Ralph Lauren AO collections, and the brand’s customisation program allows them to personalise their apparel with tennis-inspired motifs and initials, bridging performance with personal expression.
Who else made the list?
| Name | Bio |
|---|---|
| José Andrés | Renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, providing disaster relief worldwide. |
| Bono | Legendary U2 frontman and activist against AIDS and poverty. |
| Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous) | Former US Secretary of Defense, dedicated to national security. |
| Hillary Rodham Clinton | Former U.S. Secretary of State and the first woman nominated for U.S. president by a major party. |
| Michael J. Fox | Award-winning actor and advocate for Parkinson’s disease research. |
| Tim Gill | Entrepreneur and LGBTQI rights advocate known for advancing equality and anti-discrimination protections. |
| Jane Goodall | World-renowned primatologist and conservationist known for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. |
| Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous) | Civil rights activist who fought for Black voting rights and co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. |
| Earvin “Magic” Johnson | Basketball legend and philanthropist focused on supporting underserved communities. |
| Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous) | Former U.S. Attorney General and Senator. |
| Ralph Lauren | Fashion designer and philanthropist |
| Lionel Messi | One of the most decorated soccer players, also known for his philanthropy supporting children’s healthcare and education. |
| William Sanford Nye | Science educator and advocate best known as ‘Bill Nye the Science Guy.’ |
| George W. Romney (posthumous) | Businessman and public servant, former Michigan Governor and U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. |
| David M. Rubenstein | Philanthropist and co-founder of The Carlyle Group, a leading global investment firm. |
| George Soros | Investor and philanthropist focused on strengthening democracy and human rights worldwide. |
| George Stevens, Jr. | Award-winning director, author, and founder of the American Film Institute and Kennedy Center Honors. |
| Denzel Washington | Acclaimed actor, director, and National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. |
| Anna Wintour | Editor-in-chief of Vogue and a key figure behind the Met Gala fundraiser. |
