Genuine Authentic - by Michael Gross (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A fascinating and comprehensive look into the life of American fashion designer Ralph Lauren, now with an afterword.

"Deep-dish...sharp-clawed...honestly admiring."--New York Times

There are at least two Ralph Laurens.

To the public he's a gentle, modest, yet secure and purposeful man. Inside the walls of Polo Ralph Lauren, though, he was long seen by some as a narcissist, an insecure ditherer, and, at times, a rampaging tyrant.

Michael Gross, author of the bestsellers Model and 740 Park, lays bare the truths of this fashion emperor's rise, and reveals not only the secrets of his meteoric success in marketing our shared fantasies, but also a widely unknown side that's behind the designer's chic façade.

From the Back Cover

There are at least two Ralph Laurens.

To the public he's a gentle, modest, yet secure and purposeful man. Inside the walls of Polo Ralph Lauren, though, he's seen by some as a narcissist, an insecure ditherer, and, at times, a rampaging tyrant.

Michael Gross, author of the bestseller Model, lays bare the truths of this fashion emperor's rise, and reveals not only the secrets of his stunning success in marketing our shared fantasies but also a darker side that's hidden behind the chic patrician façade.

Review Quotes

"Hack(s) through the hype and half-truths... A work of impressive reporting... Mr. Gross tells an engaging story." - Cathy Horan, New York Times
"Shamelessly dishy... delightfully attuned to irony, and Lauren's life story is full of it." - Washington Post
"Gross' research is impressive." - People
"Gross delivers a portrait of a man who's constructed a flawless image, but whose real self is far more fascinating and deeply human." - Publishers Weekly
"Catty...dishy...jammed with detail." - New York Times Book Review
"Impressive...engaging." - Cathy Horyn, The New York Times
"A dishy (think scandalous affairs and control-freakish tantrums) yet balanced portrait of a man who started out as a tie salesman and went on to head a billion-dollar fashion empire." - Entertainment Weekly
"Highly readable--and honorable." - New York Newsday
"Explodes the myths." - Denver Post
"Thorough...fascinating." - Detroit Free Press
"Controversial." - Fashion Wire Daily
"Compelling...Juicy stuff." - Toronto Star
"Sizzling." - The Star