Ralph Lauren made honorary British knight
Fashion and philanthropy have taken Ralph Lauren from the Bronx to honorary British knighthood.
He’ll be the first American designer to be made an honorary knight commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
The 79year-old designer will be presented with the insignia at a ceremony with Queen Elizabeth next year.
Just don’t call him sir — that title is for British citizens only. Lauren will get to use KBE after his name, like former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who got the same honor in 2014.
Through the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation, the designer has supported programs for cancer care, education, health care in underserved communities, the arts and communitybased initiatives.
“In his storied career in fashion, business, and philanthropy, Mr. Lauren has played a key role in forging trans-Atlantic cultural and economic connections,” said Antony Phillipson, British consul general to New York and trade commissioner for North America.
His “philanthropic efforts, especially in the realm of public health, cancer research and treatment in both the U.S. and the U.K., have led to benefits felt by citizens around the world.”
Lauren founded Ralph Lauren Corp. in 1967, launching his first menswear line, Polo, in 1968. The brand is known for its preppy Tshirts stamped with its signature polo player emblem. Ralph Lauren Corp.’s other brands include Chaps and Club Monaco.