Culture

Ralph Lauren Receives Honorary British Knighthood

He's the first American fashion designer to be given the honor.

Ralph Lauren Receives Honorary British Knighthood
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Ralph Lauren is now the first American fashion designer to be given an honorary knighthood.

This means the 79-year-old has been made an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. 

A British official said Lauren was selected to receive the honor because of his contributions to the fashion and business worlds, along with his philanthropic work. 

While knighthoods and damehoods are some of the highest civilian honors bestowed by a British monarch, Lauren's is honorary since he's not a British citizen.

Lauren, whose name goes hand-in-hand with classic Americana style, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his brand back in September in New York.

One of Queen Elizabeth II's representatives will present Lauren with the knighthood insignia during a ceremony in 2019.