Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren

I loved the book. I've been in the fashion industry for over 20 years. I've worked for a top level designer and 2 family businesses and so much of this book rang scarily true to my own professional experiences. I became a fan of RL back in the mid 80's as a teenager when I began buying Vogue and drooled over the beautiful ads. Luckily, because I've only now just read this book it hasn't hurt my appreciation of RL. However, I can't help but think he is a symptom of his time - as the book acknowledges. He completely absorbed the Hollywood myths about Cary Grant e.t.c. and the waspy / preppy image but I can't help but agree with those who wonder if there really is a degree of self hate given the nerd-level intensity of his obsession. Although I've been in the fashion industry for a long time, a real eye opener for me was the realisation that Designer labels actually create ranges specifically to sell at discount retail stores. I always assumed they were filled with left over stock! I loved this book so much I may buy the hardback edition as my second-hand copy was very battered and I know I'll want to read this book again.

If ever the saying "Never judge a book by its cover" were true, it applies to this title. The cover art was cheap (pixelated images), the supporting endorsements made it sound like a soap opera. Given that the book is unauthorised, that's understandable. But the book itself is excellent. What begins as a catty, bitchy rant against the man himself turns into a at times loving portrait of a man driven to succeed. It's interspersed with gossip and titter tatter, but Ralph's rise - despite his own personal foibles - is inspirational. Yes, the man is filled with contradictions, can be unmovable and difficult to work with. But what immensely successful men aren't? If you love the business of fashion and the story of American design, this is a must-read.

I had fun and laughed with this book. I am amazed how little real talent or actual work counts for anything to do with success! Loved this book and have a new found respect for Ralph Lauren who is nothing like I thought he would be, if you believe in luck this man is full of it. If you believe in law of attraction he is nearly a master of intent!

a dull biography by a good writer about a talented entrepreneur

Excellent book

The book arrived quickly and I am now reading it. This is an unauthorized book and Ralph Lauren kept his everyone he knew uncooperative. It is out of print and so I came to this site to find it. The delivery and condition are as described by the seller. I probably will not have Ralph sign it as he was not happy it was published. Ralph is writing his own autobiography and it is being released or may have by now. I like to read unauthorizied biographys and biographys that tell the story in the way the subject likes them told. It gives two points of view.

I recieved a dvd of some band instead of my book !!! Fraud !!! I am really not satisfied. A

Great book. Came in good condition

O livro faz um bom trabalho em mostrar a história por trás do mito que se tornou o designer e fundador da marca. O estilo de coleção de entrevistas e informações retiradas de reportagens às vezes torna a narrativa um pouco caótica, porém.

I was enthralled with who the original Ralph Lauren was and who he created himself into. I was the publicist for the Original Marlboro Man, the late William Thourlby. I think Bill would have enjoyed it too. Ralph is example of British royalty mixed with American Old West. The author does an excellent job as an investigative reporter/author just I did for Post Newsweek/CBS.