Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren

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.

But who is the real Ralph Lauren?

• From Lifshitz to Lauren: Go inside the story of the ambitious boy from the Bronx, Ralph Lifshitz, and discover the real reason he changed his name on his journey to becoming a cultural icon.
• The Two Ralphs: Uncover the stark contrast between the gentle, purposeful public figure and the man some insiders knew as a rampaging tyrant.
• Fashion Emperor: Learn the secrets behind the meteoric rise of the Polo Ralph Lauren empire and the vision that turned a single tie into a global brand.
• An Aristocratic Secret: Discover the astonishing, unknown truth of Lauren’s maternal lineage—a connection to an aristocratic Jewish dynasty he never knew he had.
• Investigative Journalism: Based on years of research by bestselling author Michael Gross, this definitive account lays bare the truth behind the chic façade.

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.

“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