The Ralph Lauren Book

Ralph Lauren has released a gargantuan tome about his life and legacy to mark the 40th anniversary of his company. The hardcover book is about two feet tall and a foot-and-a-half wide with 480 glossy pages, most of which are printed with full-colour photographs of his designs. It weighs about 25 pounds and comes in a sturdy box for storage.

The first part of the book tells his life story through photographs and brief personal reflections on his childhood dreams of becoming famous. He spent his youth at the movies, something he says deeply influenced his desire to replicate the glamour he saw on screen in every day life. The book is a lovely retrospective of some of his best collections and most memorable designs, from the runway to the furniture showroom. And it is not without sentiment: his memory of hand-stitching the labels to his first collection of ties in the late 1960s with his wife and mother-in-law is poignant. The book comes highly recommended for anyone who loves this designer or has a thorough interest in fashion.

Incidentally, a written speech by Audrey Hepburn about Ralph Lauren's designs is featured in the foreword.

The Ralph Lauren book: $145.00