American fashion designer Ralph Lauren has been awarded the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year for the third time, one of the most prestigious fashion accolades in the United States. The presentation ceremony took place on November 2, 2026, in New York at the American Museum of Natural History. The award was presented to the designer by actor Matt Damon and designer Tremaine Emory before an audience gathered for the annual CFDA Fashion Awards gala dinner.

Competitors and Voting Process

This season, Lauren competed for the title of top American menswear designer against several prominent industry figures: Thom Browne, Todd Snyder, Willy Chavarria, and the duo Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne representing the brand Public School New York. The final decision is made by CFDA professional community members—active designers, fashion editors, journalists, and other industry specialists, making the award an internal industry recognition rather than a marketing event.

Triumphant Series: 1996, 2007, and 2026

For Ralph Lauren, this victory marks his third in the menswear category. He previously won the distinction in 1996 and 2007, returning to the winner's circle nearly two decades after his last award. The 2026 award serves as further confirmation that the designer's creative legacy maintains its relevance and impact on shaping men's style in the US and beyond.

From Polo Ties to an International Lifestyle Brand

Lauren's career began in 1967 when he founded his own brand, starting with a collection of men's neckties under the Polo label. By 1968, the designer presented his first full menswear collection. Over the subsequent decades, he built a recognizable aesthetic intertwining classic American style, athletic motifs, preppy elements, and timeless elegance. The brand has grown into an international lifestyle brand spanning apparel, accessories, fragrances, and home goods.

The Only Recipient of All Major CFDA Awards

Ralph Lauren remains the only designer in CFDA history to have been awarded all of the organization's key accolades: womenswear, menswear, the retail contribution award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for career accomplishments. The 2026 award cements his status as a figure who has defined the look of American fashion for nearly sixty years.