Thursday 2 January 2020

Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion / VIDEO:Sneak Peek At The Most Definitive Book On Ralph Lauren �� | Kirby Allison






Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion
Reviewed by:
Jeffrey Felner

Before even opening this book, this reader was wondering what Alan Flusser could possibly bring to the table on the subject of Ralph Lauren. There are few designers who reflect the ubiquity of Mr. Lauren as well as being an American designer whose life and career has been hugely chronicled for decades.

The devoted fashionphile will experience myriad emotions while reading Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion depending on one’s career, life experiences, involvement in the actual world of fashion, or just being an observer or fan of Mr. Lauren. Flusser’s take on Ralph Lauren is at times anecdotal, nostalgic, informative, intimate, sometimes tedious, and even laudatory. In a way Flusser deifies the designer, but throughout the book we are told that Lauren was never trained as a designer and only keeps the best people around to do the heavy lifting. Some might say it’s a kiss and slap scenario, but Flusser is trying to make a point about a man who saw into the future and built an empire based on his own aspirations, inspirations, and gut instincts.

Bernadine Morris wrote in the early 80s with great prescience: “Some insisted it was Lauren’s best collection. The clothes looked exceedingly well-bred, and though they are unassertive, they make a powerful statement.”

Flusser gives the reader the opportunity to absorb the subject matter on so many planes. Some will call it a fashion book, others might call it a biography. Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion is unquestionably a superb primer for those who have not read or followed the trajectory of Mr. Lauren. The prospective reader might also find that the book serves as living proof that believing in oneself is paramount when trying to achieve one’s goals. Again, the book’s appeal stretches far wider than just fashion.

The biggest detriment to the monograph is the inclusion of the history of the haute couture and development of ready to wear as well as the history of American sportswear. These subjects have been written about by far more authoritative sources than Flusser. Lastly, comparing Lauren to Chanel at every turn just doesn’t seem quite right or correct.

Jeffrey Felner is a dedicated participant and nimble historian in the businesses of fashion and style. Decades of experience allow him to pursue almost any topic relating to fashion and style with with unique insight and unrivaled acumen.


 RALPH LAUREN SAYS HE ‘HATES FASHION’ AND NEVER THOUGHT OF HIMSELF AS A DESIGNER
‘It was more about timeless things I liked,’ the American designer says

Olivia Petter
@oliviapetter1
Wednesday 6 November 2019 11:34
Ralph Lauren has made an unlikely confession by stating that he “hates” fashion.

Speaking about his upcoming HBO documentary, Very Ralph, which charts the legacy of the American designer’s 50-year-old eponymous brand, he explained that his view of fashion is more about concepts than clothes.

“I hate fashion,” Lauren told The Telegraph. “I never thought of myself as a fashion designer. It was more about timeless things I liked – and values.”

The documentary explores Lauren’s beginnings in the industry and highlights some of his most famous creations for people such as Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour and Audrey Hepburn, who is featured in an early scene.

“Ralph conjures up all the things I most care about,” the iconic film star says while wearing a black Ralph Lauren tuxedo at an event celebrating Lauren’s career in 1992.

When asked to expand on the things she cares about, Hepburn lists objects and moods as opposed to fashion items, including “vegetable gardens, fireplaces and misty mornings.”

Lauren came to the fore of American fashion in the early 1970s, when he was famed for his preppy sportswear and tailoring. Now, his namesake brand comprises one of the largest apparel empires, encompassing several labels including Polo Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren Purple Label.

The brand has also acquired a cult celebrity following having worked with people like actor Jessica Chastain and model Taylor Hill on various campaigns.

Lauren’s reputation is such that he even appeared in Friends as himself – the character Rachel Green worked at Ralph Lauren for several seasons of the American sitcom.

Elsewhere in the interview, the 80-year-old fashion designer, whose net worth is estimated at $6bn (£4.7bn) speaks about being rejected in his early career.

After a stint at Brooks Brothers, Lauren applied for a role at a large retailer that he thinks might’ve been Saks 5th Avenue. Despite offering to work for free to prove himself, the company turned him down.

“I don’t know what happened to that person who interviewed me,” Lauren told the publication of the rejection. “But I’m still here”.

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