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.

• From Lifshitz to Lauren: Explore the journey of Ralph Lifshitz from the Bronx to the pinnacle of global fashion, a story of ambition and complete reinvention.
• The Birth of Lifestyle Marketing: Discover how Lauren pioneered the concept of selling not just clothes, but an entire aspirational world—and changed modern branding forever.
• An American Fashion Emperor: Go inside the walls of Polo Ralph Lauren and witness the dual nature of the man—visionary genius to some, rampaging tyrant to others.
• The Price of the American Dream: From bestselling author Michael Gross, this deeply researched exposé lays bare the secrets and controversies behind the designer’s chic façade.

A fascinating and comprehensive look into the life of American fashion legend Ralph Lauren, now with a new afterword

There are at least two Ralph Laurens.

To the public he’s a gentle and 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, 740 Park, and House of Outrageous Fortune, 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 the unknown personality behind the designer’s chic 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