Ralph Lauren becomes first fashion designer to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ralph Lauren, the legendary American designer whose preppy threads have become synonymous with East Coast chic, made history when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom over the weekend.

Early Saturday afternoon, President Joe Biden bestowed the medal − the nation's highest civilian honor − to Lauren for his contributions to the worlds of fashion and philanthropy.

Lauren is the first fashion designer to ever receive the honor. Previous honorees include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King and Biden himself. Doling out the awards is one of the final official duties Biden will take in office, and his picks (a mix so far of congresspeople, activists and war heroes) will form one part of the larger legacy he hopes to leave.

"America is my country — my home and its history, traditions and values have always been an inspiration," Lauren said in a statement to USA TODAY. "To receive the Presidential Medal 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."

A star-studded roster of honorees joined Lauren at the White House ceremony, which included chef José Andrés, Irish singer and U2 frontman Bono, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, "Back to the Future" star Michael J. Fox, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington and TV personality Bill Nye, among other cultural luminaries.

True to form, Lauren took the stage in a crisp beige and black blazer, which he paired with a white button-down shirt and black tie.

"Ralph Lauren transformed a small necktie business into one of America's most iconic brands, leaving (an) imprint on the world of fashion, fragrance, furniture and beyond," an unnamed U.S. military member read. "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."

Occupying a middle ground few high-fashion labels tread, Lauren designs haute couture for the runway and offers (relatively) mid-price staples for Americans.

Defying homogeny but bound still by a common thread, Ralph Lauren clothing projects a specific strain of Americana. Bordering on sporting wear, his polos and sweaters have a Kennedy-classic look to them, sometimes even featuring large embroideries of the American flag.

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"His life and career are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of American heritage, drawing inspiration from the country's landscapes, cultures, and artistry," Lauren's team said in a statement to USA TODAY prior to the announcement.

Born in the Bronx borough of New York City, Lauren got his start designing men's ties by hand from a single drawer in the Empire State Building. In 1967 he launched a neckwear line titled "Polo" and a year later released his first full men's collection.

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Marked by a steady upward progression, his career moved him quickly up the ranks from men's retailer to trend-setter to fashion royalty. Outfitting Robert Redford as Jay Gatsby and Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, Lauren's influence wove itself stealthily into entertainment and the culture, his name eventually becoming shorthand for a certain aesthetic.

The signature polo horse and rider logo − first introduced in 1971 − sits atop the corner of golf shirts and cardigans alike, signaling old-money elegance. It wasn't until later, in 1979, that Lauren made his mark on another core American aesthetic: the cowboy. His "Polo Western" and "Santa Fe" collections channeled a more dust-tinged look.

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In the 1990s, the designer introduced a newer clarion of the Lauren song: "Polo Bear," a short and scruffy creature who dons different outfits for each new collection.

Lauren's Polo gear also ingratiated itself into the hip-hop scene with many rappers incorporating the brand into their signature looks. From Ye to Pharrell and Kid Cudi, the horse and bear logos made their rounds.

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Stretching his influence beyond the fashion industry, Lauren's brand is also behind New York hot spot Polo Bar (known for its burger) and Ralph's Coffee, a java truck and actual coffee shop with locations in many major cities.

Taken together, Lauren's various pursuits have made him as much an auteur as his peers in other creative industries.

"His story is a profound testament to the boundless possibilities of creativity, determination, and the American Dream," the release reads.

This story was updated to add new information and photos.

Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ralph Lauren receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden