Top image: from ralphlauren.com

Ralph Lauren is set to become the first ever American designer to be recognised with an honorary British knighthood.

Although famously born in the Bronx, the honour recognises Lauren’s global work in both fashion and philanthropy. Other Americans to have previously received the accolade include former President Ronald Reagan, businessman Michael Bloomberg and director Steven Spielberg.

“I warmly congratulate Ralph Lauren on this award that recognizes these efforts and achievements over the past 50 years,” said Antony Phillipson, British Consul General to New York and Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America, in a statement. “In his storied career in fashion, business, and philanthropy, Mr. Lauren has played a key role in forging transatlantic cultural and economic connections. As creator and visionary of the Ralph Lauren brand worldwide, Mr. Lauren has been a vanguard for the global fashion industry and American style for nearly half a century. In addition, monumental philanthropic efforts, especially in the realm of public health, cancer research and treatment in both the US and the UK, have led to benefits felt by citizens around the world.”

This honour is just the latest notch on Lauren’s illustrious belt; the 79-year-old has previously received the French Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the Key to the City of New York and an endless list of fashion awards.