The British Fashion Council have announced that Ralph Lauren is to be awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award at the upcoming Fashion Awards, which are set to take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on the 5th December.
After 50 years in fashion, it only seems appropriate that the acclaimed New York based designer should be honoured for the exceptional contributions he has made to the industry and the influence that he has had on other designers and brands over the years. The BFC also want to pay recognition to his philanthropic efforts, including his involvement in the opening of a number of cancer care and research units, as well as establishing the American Heroes Fund to help with the relief effort following the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Since launching his brand in 1967, he has become a major player in fashion, gaining a multitude of celebrity fans, including the likes of Emma Watson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway and the Dutchess of Cambridge. The brand has also become incredibly iconic within the sporting world, taking on the role of official outfitters for a number of sporting events including the Olympics and Wimbledon, though the brand remains best known for their signature polo shirts.
Ralph Lauren follows in the footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour, Terry and Tricia Jones, and Manolo Blahnik who were also awarded for their outstanding achievements in recent years.
BFC chairman Natalie Massenet said:
“Ralph Lauren is an exemplary designer and businessman. He has helped to define an era in both American and global fashion with his singular vision; I know that most of us would say he has inspired us immeasurably.”
