--- product_id: 54656355 title: "Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren" price: "R996" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 10 url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/54656355-genuine-authentic-the-real-life-of-ralph-lauren store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren **Price:** R996 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren - **How much does it cost?** R996 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/54656355-genuine-authentic-the-real-life-of-ralph-lauren) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description 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. Review: Balanced but with lovely gossipy titbits - 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. Review: Enjoyable, entertaining and inspiring - 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. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | 345,732 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 780 in Business Biographies & Memoirs (Books) 795 in Textile Arts 961 in Fashion Design | | Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 74 Reviews | ## Images ![Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61E0JH9R7sL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Balanced but with lovely gossipy titbits *by F***L on 7 July 2013* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoyable, entertaining and inspiring *by J***1 on 9 March 2016* 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 *by A***R on 12 December 2016* 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! ## Frequently Bought Together - Genuine Authentic: The Real Life of Ralph Lauren - Ralph Lauren: Revised and Expanded Anniversary Edition - Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/54656355-genuine-authentic-the-real-life-of-ralph-lauren](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/54656355-genuine-authentic-the-real-life-of-ralph-lauren) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-08-19*