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President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, USA's highest civilian honour, to 19 people including Ralph Lauren on January 4, 2025. With the ceremony held in the White House, the 19 recipients came from diverse domains across culture, arts sports and politics.
Multiple sources reported that Ralph Lauren was given the honor as a recognition of his career as a designer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur for six decades, making him the first fashion designer to earn the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Internet users quickly took to X to express their opinions on Ralph receiving the honor, wherein an X user questioned:
"Freedom from what?"
"It would seem we are running out of people who actually make a difference in the world." an X user commented.
"The clothes maker what the hell?" another X user mentioned.
"Oprah in the background telling You get a medal and you get medal and you get a medal 🏅" an internet user stated.
On the other hand, some netizens expressed joy at Ralph Lauren getting honored and went on to praise his clothing brand:
"He’s better than Christian Dior + Alexander McQueen + Thierry Hermés + Gianni Versace + Mario Prada + Giorgio Armani" an X user tweeted.
"The most timeless clothing brand, EVER" a netizen commented .
"Mister President I have not always agreed with you but I am very proud to be American this day! Mr. Ralph Lauren has contributed to the culture & spirit of America for decades. More of our youth could learn a thing or two. Pull up those trousers and TUCK YOUR SHIRT IN. God bless!" another netizen said.
Early life and other details about Ralph Lauren explored
According to the Ralph Lauren Corporation website, Ralph was born in the Bronx, New York in 1939 and attended Baruch College to study business. He enlisted in the U.S. Army before graduation and completed two years of service.
The celebrated designer's journey began by designing ties for men out of a drawer in the Empire State Building when he kept "weaving his beliefs about life and style to capture the American dream using color, fabric, and design."
Ralph's first menswear line featured tweed suits in 1968 and his first womenswear line came out in 1971 featuring the classic tailoring with a feminine twist. Additionally, he launched the mesh sport shirt in 1972 which went on to become one of his signature pieces. It featured the trademark of the polo player. Ralph Lauren's brand and fashion style garnered global popularity after he designed clothes for the male actors in the 1974 movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
In addition to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Ralph Lauren has achieved the Key to the City of New York from Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his civic contributions, the French Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his contributions as a business leader, designer, and philanthropist. Additionally, Ralph has achieved the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for his lifetime contributions as a great American as well as for his role in the preservation of the Star-Sprangled Banner.
According to a report by Billboard dated January 4, 2025, when Joe Biden presented Ralph with the honor, the designer became teary-eyed. Moreover, the master of ceremonies mentioned Ralph's contribution to the fashion and culture of America in addition to his philanthropic work.
