Move in with Ralph

In an exclusive excerpt from his new book, an American original recalls in his own words his family's first real home, the one that set the tone for all that followed.

- RALPH LAUREN

I remember the first time I visited the Guggenheim. Walking into that white, soaring space, away from the noise of the city, had a powerful effect on me. When Ricky and I found our apartment on Fifth Avenue, not far from the museum, I had that feeling in mind. We wanted it to feel more like a loft, totally open and clean and with a focus on city views. I wanted a downtown loft, but uptown on Fifth Avenue.