A stunning celebration of Ralph Lauren's signature home
collections--including the designer's own homes--which have inspired the
world of interior design for nearly half a century.
The cinematic vision of Ralph Lauren is brought to life with a stunning
and intimately written book that spans decades of innovation and
influence by the iconic American designer. Ralph Lauren: A Way of
Living, published by Rizzoli New York, commemorates the 40th anniversary
of the home collection with the first comprehensive volume dedicated to
the signature style of Ralph Lauren and his pioneering lifestyle
approach to design. From trailblazing innovations that revolutionized
the home industry to conceptualizing residential retailing and
perfecting the art of hospitality, Lauren has created a multifaceted
world that evokes emotion and inspires a more beautiful way of life.
This special volume presents a visual timeline of Ralph Lauren's
remarkable history as a lifestyle innovator. Lauren's unparalleled
ability to seamlessly blend fashion and the home is illustrated with the
groundbreaking designs and innovative use of materials that have
distinguished the home collection since its inception in 1983:
menswear-inspired Oxford Cloth bedding that required the creation of
special looms and took two years to refine; the sleek RL-CF1 chair,
crafted of carbon fiber and inspired by Lauren's McLaren F1 racecar; and
an appreciation for a timeworn, weathered aesthetic, as exemplified in
the iconic Writer's Chair with its hand-burnished leather and rich
patina. Historic achievements such as the opening of his first New York
City flagship on Madison Avenue - which invited guests to experience the
complete World of Ralph Lauren in a residential environment - and his
renowned restaurants that offer the epitome of gracious hospitality,
demonstrate the magnitude of Ralph Lauren's influence on the worlds of
lifestyle design and hospitality. The timeline is complete with quotes
from distinguished members of the design world and prominent figures of
our culture including Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and
architecture critic Paul Goldberger.
Ralph Lauren's signature ability to create transportive environments
begins with his private homes that inspire his iconic lifestyle
collections. Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living offers an in-depth look at
all the places Lauren calls home, from a sprawling ranch in Colorado and
an island retreat in Jamaica, to a Fifth Avenue penthouse overlooking
Manhattan's Central Park, a seaside home in Montauk and a country estate
in Bedford. Lauren's homes are deeply personal expressions of his vision
for living; captivating imagery is complemented by essays and
descriptions written in his own words that intimately express the
meaning of home and share inspiration and anecdotes for each residence.
The photos of Lauren's captivating homes are followed by a celebration
of Ralph Lauren Home's lifestyle collections - cinematic worlds that are
brought to life with iconic imagery showcasing Lauren's pioneering
lifestyle approach and all-encompassing home collection.
Ralph Lauren: A Way of Living honors the life and work of a true
visionary and innovator. Ralph Lauren's monumental impact on the way we
live is as recognizable today as it was groundbreaking 40 years ago. His
vision is not about trends of the moment, but is built upon values and
things that last, and his legacy will continue to shape the places we
call home.