WASHINGTON (AP) — For Ralph Lauren, the American flag is not just a motif. When he uses the flag as inspiration for his designs — including his U.S. Olympic uniforms — he believes in what that represents.

The 74-year-old fashion designer was honored Tuesday by the Smithsonian Institution for his career and to mark the 200th anniversary of the original flag that inspired the writing of the national anthem. Lauren helped fund a major effort to preserve that flag.