Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

After five decades in the fashion industry, Ralph Lauren has been recognized in the UK with a knighthood, making the New Yorker the first American fashion designer to become an Honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE).

Lauren was knighted for his services to fashion by Prince Charles in a private ceremony held at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. He joins former President Ronald Reagan, Steven Spielberg, and Bill and Melinda Gates as Americans who have been recognized in the UK for their transformational efforts in their individual fields.

Previously, Lauren had been awarded the Key to the City of New York by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the French Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honor), the Smithsonian's James Smithson Bicentennial Medal, and numerous awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, including the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

Knighthoods in the UK go back centuries, although the Most Excellent Order awards specifically date back to 1917 and are all about championing exceptional service to various industries. Each merit must be confirmed by the Queen before the awards are dished out. This award also means that, should he so desire, Lauren can now put KBE after his name.

We Recommend
  • Charles Leclerc: Ferrari Racing Driver, Ferrari Fashion Designer
  • Zac Posen Takes American Fashion Into the Future with GapStudio
  • The Ralph Lauren Tee, Done the “Right” Way (Again)
  • Stone Island’s First American-Made New Balance, Powered by Its Innovative Archive
  • All 10 of Saint Laurent's $31k Turntables Look as Good as They Sound (EXCLUSIVE)
What To Read Next
  • Centre Court Style: A Fashion Retrospective from the Wimbledon Sidelines
  • A Pair of Pants, for Your Pants
  • Converse’s Skate Loafer Is Business up Top, Kickflips Below
  • Meet the Street Artists Who Are Quietly Shaping High Fashion
  • A Jordan 1 Shoe Whose True Beauty Is Only Revealed Through Wear
  • At Fashion Week, the Sneakers Were Good. The Shoes Were Great