After decades of being nearly synonymous with American fashion, the 85-year-old became the first fashion designer to win the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

© Valerie Plesch for The New York Times

With a recipient list stocked with old-guard icons and political backers, the president signaled support for the establishment his successor wants to tear down.

© Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

With a recipient list stocked with old-guard icons and political backers, the president is signaling support for the establishment his successor wants to tear down.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times

The honorees included high-profile figures like Hillary Clinton, the singer Bono and the philanthropist and donor George Soros.

© Gabriela Herman for The New York Times