A night as surreal as Cinderella attending the grand ball, except Prince Charming carries not just the perfect shoe, but an entire fashion line of them... and his name is Ralph Lauren! 

The Women's Wear Daily first annual Honors Awards at The Pierre Hotel NYC on Tuesday evening, hosted some of the top members of fashion royalty from across the land. The Honors Award recognized pioneering leaders in the fashion and retail industry who have made a grand difference and developed the fashion culture we are all a part of today. Honoree recipient of the night, Ralph Lauren, was awarded the inaugural John B. Fairchild Honors, named for the late WWD chairman and editorial director, recognizing a career of influence and distinction. In the new issue of WWD, Lauren speaks about his start in the business, growing up in the Bronx and entering fashion via sales. "There was no such thing as a men's designer," says Lauren of his early days. "What I did in men's wear is I put it all together.... I wanted something higher level."

WWD asks, "What's the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the words 'Ralph Lauren?'" Click through to read what some of last night's attendees had to say.