Cheers to Ralph Lauren
At 85 years of age, esteemed fashion designer, businessman, and philanthropist Ralph Lauren received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden in Washington, D.C., this past Saturday. Among a group of nineteen distinguished individuals including Anna Wintour, Denzel Washington, Jane Goodall, and Hillary Clinton, Lauren has become the first fashion designer to receive an award of such prestige.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors” - White House Official Website
What began as a modest necktie company in 1967 created by a 28-year-old Bronx native and has evolved into a name brand that serves as a defining force in American culture and society, this specific award truly encapsulates the monumental work and career of this illustrious style icon.
As a brand that I can’t go out in public and not see someone dressed in, a brand that has seemed to continue to clothe the entirety of the Northeast US for quite a long time, a brand that has dressed Americans for the Olympics nine consecutive times and dominated fashion weeks for six decades, and a brand that has successfully created both a coffee shop and restaurant that gain more popularity by the year, I’ll go out on a limb and say there is not a more successful American fashion empire than Ralph Lauren.
“I went to my boss, and I said, 'Look, I'd like to design these ties because I think they could be new.' He said, 'The world isn't ready for Ralph Lauren.' I never forgot that because... I thought that was a compliment.” - RL
What sets RL apart from other luxury brands is its accessibility and pared-back design philosophy that allows anyone to feel comfortable in their apparel. The casualness of the company combined with its aesthetic, creates a distinctive look that Americans and individuals worldwide have adored and been deeply drawn to.
Through the creation of the brand, Lauren’s ultimate goal was to create high-quality clothing that emulated the American way of life. The classy, timeless taste that shines through each RL product is the reason why the brand has only continued to be successful and maintain its relevance in society.
In recent times, brands such J. Crew, GAP, and Old Navy have channeled Ralph Lauren in their recent clothing drops and seasonal campaigns, which heavily speaks to the impact and legacy of the brand.
"New York Fashion Week started with such a monumental moment in American fashion history with Ralph Lauren's fantastic celebration to his 50 years in the business. I think that's a lesson we can all learn that in the end you have to follow your own beliefs and your own vision and Ralph has always stuck to that mantra." - Anna Wintour on Ralph Lauren’s NYFW show and brand in 2018
There is no one quite Ralph Lauren in the realm of fashion or society, and I think it’s safe to say there will never be as iconic of a figure as the man himself. The stylistic choices made over the span of six decades by this individual will continue to be a highlight in American history for years to come. As Ralph Lauren himself singlehandedly curated an American-esque clothing style that anyone from outside the United States undoubtedly defines as our own.
At the very least, I will forever continue to actively forage for any and all vintage RL pieces in every thrift shop I step foot in (6 pieces and counting).
“Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.” - RL
Thank you for reading!
- Lily