Ralph Lauren Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden
Story was updated on Jan. 4 at 3:15 p.m.
Ralph Lauren received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden in a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Saturday afternoon.
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The award — the nation’s highest civilian honor — recognized Lauren’s extraordinary contributions as a visionary fashion designer, trailblazing entrepreneur, innovative business leader and dedicated philanthropist.
Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer of Ralph Lauren Corp., is the first fashion designer to receive this distinction — a historic acknowledgment of his transformative influence 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 Media 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,” Ralph Lauren told WWD on Saturday.
Lauren was one of 18 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The others were José Andrés, Bono, Ashton Baldwin Carter, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous), William Sanford Nye, George W. Romney (posthumous), David M. Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., Denzel Washington and Anna Wintour.
Lionel Messi, the soccer star, was supposed to be the 19th recipient but didn’t attend the ceremony or send a representative to accept on his behalf due to a scheduling conflict.
The 32-minute ceremony was attended by President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff. Joining Lauren at the ceremony were his wife, Ricky; children, David, Andrew and Dylan and their spouses; brother Jerry Lauren, and Patrice Louvet, president and chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Corp.
The Bidens have been big fans of Ralph Lauren’s clothing. For Biden’s inauguration in January 2021, the president wore a navy Ralph Lauren suit, topcoat and tie when he was sworn in, and both he and Jill Biden have been photographed on multiple occasions in Ralph Lauren.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, honors individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the U.S., world peace, or other significant endeavors. Over the years, the medal has been awarded to a diverse range of influential figures across disciplines, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Ronald Reagan, Maya Angelou, Mother Teresa, Bill and Melinda Gates, Robert De Niro, and Frank Gehry, and more recently, Billie Jean King, Michelle Yeoh, Michael Bloomberg and Simone Biles.
In his introductory remarks, President Biden said, “For the final time as president, I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom — our nation’s highest civilian honor — on a group of truly extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America. So let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you to all you’ve done to help this country.”
“As cultural icons, dignified statesmen, humanitarians, rocks stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, you give hope to those that are hurting, and you craft the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories,” said Biden.
Biden said the recipients reflect different backgrounds, beliefs, talents, generations and genders.
“You inspire and you bring healing and joy to so many lives who otherwise wouldn’t be touched. You answer the call to serve and lead others to do the same thing. You defend the values of America even when they’re under attack which they have been. Together you leave an incredible mark on our country with insight and influence that can be felt around the globe in major cities and remote areas,” said Biden.
Biden said the recipients “show us what’s possible as a nation and there’s nothing beyond our capacity,” he said.
As children in the audience made noise as he was speaking, Biden said, “By the way, kids rule in this house. Don’t worry about it. You all think I’m kidding, I’m not.”
Biden congratulated the award recipients on all they have accomplished. “I’m grateful for the work you’ll inspire for generations to follow — to stay engaged and never give up and always keep the faith.”
The recipients, who were seated on the stage, individually accepted their award and President Biden congratulated them and put their medal around their neck. When the 6-foot-9 Earvin “Magic” Johnson got his award, he had to crouch down so Biden could get the medal around his neck.
In introducing Lauren, who was dressed in a tweed jacket, knit tie and fleece cargo pants, the emcee said the designer, a son of Polish immigrants and a U.S. Army veteran, “transformed a small necktie business into one of America’s most iconic brands, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of fashion, fragrance, furniture and beyond. Throughout it all, he remains a dedicated philanthropist, including fighting to end cancer as we know it, classic yet creative, timeless yet innovative. Ralph Lauren reminds us of our distinct style as a nation of dreamers and doers.”
For more than 60 years, Lauren has celebrated the essence of American culture, crafting an enduring vision that defines American style. Through his collections, Lauren has shaped the way the world perceives the country’s heritage and values. His collections have often been described as storytelling through design, with each piece evoking themes of aspiration, tradition and individuality.
Translating his artistic vision into a global lifestyle brand, the 85-year-old Lauren has been recognized as one of the world’s most innovative leaders in design and business.
Lauren’s journey began in the Bronx, N.Y., where he grew up and learned the power of hard work, aspiration and authenticity. He started by designing men’s ties from a single drawer in the Empire State Building and built one of the most iconic global lifestyle brands in history, generating revenues for fiscal 2024 of $6.6 billion. The designer draws inspiration from the country’s landscapes, cultures and artistry. Through his men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, home collections, cinematic advertising, and renowned stores and restaurants, Lauren redefined American style. His story is a testament to the possibilities of creativity, determination and the American Dream.
Throughout his career, Lauren has won numerous prestigious honors such as the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, which recognizes his lifetime contributions as a great American and his leadership in preserving the Star-Spangled Banner; France’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in recognition of his influence as a designer, business leader and philanthropist, and an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, making him the first American designer to receive this distinction.
Lauren has also received many honors from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, such as Menswear and Womenswear Designer of the Year, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Fashion Legend Award, among others.
In addition to his contributions to fashion and culture, Lauren continues to make a profound impact on philanthropy, with a particular focus on the fight against cancer. His mission to reduce disparities in cancer care has positively impacted countless lives. The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation continues to champion equity and empower underserved communities worldwide.
Ralph Lauren, Denzel Washington, Bono and More Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025 [PHOTOS]
Launch Gallery: Ralph Lauren, Denzel Washington, Bono and More Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025 [PHOTOS]
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