The U.S. Postal Service just announced a very special way to honor 250 years of the United States of America – an American Icons collection curated by Ralph Lauren.

This marks the first time in USPS history that an individual was invited to curate an official stamp issuance – and Lauren is the right choice for this special collection. An American icon, his story embodies “the boundless possibilities of creativity, determination and the American dream” and a design ethos deeply rooted in “the tapestry of American heritage, landscapes, cultures and artistry.”

His commitment to American heritage included the preservation and conservation of the 1813 “Star-Spangled Banner” flag that inspired the national anthem. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

The stamp collection features 13 photographs from Lauren’s archive and images that inspire him in their values – think freedom, independence, equality, opportunity and the pursuit of happiness.

The 12 Forever stamps embody American tropes in different ways – from the “American flag,”  “Baseball Glove,” “Teddy Bear” and “Diné (Navajo) Blanket” to the “Racing Sailboat,” “Empire State Building” and the “Hamburger.”

The 2026 Mail Use Stamp features a detail of a knitted interpretation of the U.S. flag taken from Lauren’s Flag Sweater.

USPS vice president of marketing Sheila Holman said that Lauren’s “remarkable visual archive beautifully captures the aspirational spirit and shared values that have united Americans since before our nation’s founding.”

The dedication ceremony will take place at the James A. Farley Post Office Building in New York on June 9.