Who Is Ralph Lauren [Paperback]

The polo player with the raised mallet—everyone knows the Ralph Lauren logo. Learn the amazing story of the man who is a true American fashion icon.

Born in the Bronx, even as a teenager Ralph Lauren was known for his distinctive fashion sense, having a taste for both classic preppy clothes and vintage looks like beat-up leather jackets. He got his start in the fashion business by selling ties that he designed. From ties he went on to create a global fashion empire. In this easy-to-read biography, best-selling author andWho Was?creator Jane O'Connor explains exactly how a fashion line is created—from first drawings to models strutting on the runway.Jane O'Connor is the award-wining author of over 100 children's books, including theNew York Timesbest-sellingFancy Nancyseries.Who Is Ralph Lauren?
 
 
Growing up in the 1950s, Ralph loved going to the movies. For him, it was like entering another world, one that was completely different from the Bronx neighborhood in New York City where he lived.
 
When they were old enough, Ralph and his friends would go by themselves to the Paradise Theatre. It seemed like a palace, with seats for four thousand people, marble columns, statues everywhere, a grand staircase, and even a fountain with goldfish swimming in it.
 
The movies were often action-packed war stories, or Westerns with famous stars like John Wayne. For Ralph, seeing a movie wasn’t just about watching an exciting story unfold on a big screen. He could actually picture himselfinthe movie. HewasJohn Wayne, riding off to catch the bad guys, wearing a cowboy hat, chaps, and dust-covered boots.
 
Although Ralph’s family wasn’t poor, his parents didn’t have a lot of money to buy their kids new clothes. The youngest of four children, Ralph often wore hand-me-downs from his older brother Jerry. Jerry was Ralph’s idol and best lƒ+