When you think of Ralph Lauren, you probably picture preppy polos, country club aesthetics, and a horse-riding logo that screams, I summer in the Hamptons. But what if I told you that Mr. Polo himself has also been honored as a Jamaican? Yes, you read that right—Ralph Lauren, the fashion mogul, is now officially an honorable Jamaican.
In 2018, the government of Jamaica bestowed upon him the Order of Jamaica (OJ), an honor typically reserved for the island’s most distinguished citizens. Why? Because the man has been draping Olympians in the Jamaican flag like a proud uncle at a family cookout for decades! Lauren’s designs for Team Jamaica’s Olympic uniforms have been so sharp, Usain Bolt could probably win gold just by looking that good.
And let’s not forget his actual contributions—Lauren has been a longtime supporter of the Caribbean, investing in local talent and culture. The man may have been born in the Bronx, but with that kind of commitment, we wouldn’t be surprised if he starts ending his emails with Bless up.
So next time you see that little polo horse galloping across a crisp button-down, just remember: somewhere in Jamaica, a stylish elder is nodding in approval, saying, Ralph a one of we now.
