Ralph Lauren is a celebrated American multi-billionaire fashion designer who started the Ralph Lauren brand, a luxury fashion company, and became the first fashion designer awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on January 4th.
According to the White House, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made great contributions to property, values, the security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavors.
Lauren started his empire with the Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967 by selling men’s ties. In his late 20s, he used to work for Beau Brummell and convinced him to let him start his own line, naming it “Polo.”
In 1970, a boutique for Polo opened up in Bloomingdales. This is the first time a boutique is dedicated to only one designer and their line. Just a year later, Lauren opened up his first standalone store.
Ten years pass, and Lauren opens his first store outside of the United States. His Polo shop in London was the first freestanding shop in Europe for an American designer.
Ralph Lauren transcends just fashion, he has long been an advocate for Breast Cancer Research. In 1989, Lauren honored the new facility in Georgetown University Hospital to Nina Hyde, the late Post fashion correspondent, and in the year 2000, he launched the “Pink Pony” line, where 25% of each sale goes to helping the global fight against breast cancer.
In 2003, the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care opened in New York City. It aims to provide the highest-quality cancer screening and treatment for Harlem and surrounding communities.
Fast-forward to 2025, and President Joe Biden awards Lauren with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The White House declared him and other recipients great leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the United States and the world.
If there’s any fashion designer who deserves this award, it is Ralph Lauren, for his contributions extend beyond fashion and continue to help critical humanitarian issues.
