Ralph Lauren Becomes First Fashion Designer to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Over the weekend, Ralph Lauren, the renowned American designer whose preppy clothing has come to represent East Coast style, made history by being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Lauren received the nation's highest civilian award, the medal, for his services to the fashion and philanthropic industries early on Saturday afternoon from President Joe Biden.

The first fashion designer to ever be honored is Lauren. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King, and Biden himself are among the previous awardees. One of Biden's last formal responsibilities as president is to present the honors, and his selections—so far a mix of activists, congressmen, and military heroes—will contribute to the greater legacy he wishes to leave.

Lauren looked sharp in a black and beige jacket, matching it with a black tie and a white button-down shirt.