Gary Cooper: Enduring Style
By G. Bruce Boyer and Maria Cooper Janis
Published by PowerHouse Books
“When Cooper played a cowboy, you really believed he was a cowboy, and when he played an international man of sophistication, he was just as believable… The real-life Gary Cooper was just as authentic.” – Ralph Lauren
The American actor has long been revered as a paragon of style, but until now, a compelling monograph has never been published. On November 29th, powerHouse Books will change that with the release of Gary Cooper: Enduring Style, a rich compendium that pays tribute to his indelible legacy and timeless allure.
The book consists of never-before-seen photographs, taken mostly by his wife, the socialite Veronica Balfe (better known as “Rocky”), and compiled by his daughter Maria Cooper Janis. The wonderfully personal pictures showcase the icon in various states of dress, from shirtless on horseback while traversing the cliffs of Malibu to looking quite debonair in a tailored suit onboard a a cruise ship bound for Africa. No matter the setting, Cooper radiated a stylish self-assurance.
The 180 pages of original photographs also include introductions by his daughter Maria and designer Ralph Lauren, as well as an essay by noted fashion writer Bruce Boyer. It’s hard to imagine three individuals more expert on the topic. Still, it’s near impossible to break down Coop’s style into a scientific formula. He made dressing, and living, for that matter, appear near effortless. May we all learn something from his confidence.
Gary Cooper: Enduring Style is available from powerHouse Books.
