"Cary Grant managed to give great performances in comedies, thrillers, and romances., ana at all times he appeared cool and immaculate. He had an easy manner, his ready wit and charm comptemented by his ability to wear clothes effortlessly. So great a talent, as well as an incredibly handsome man--no wonder he oecame a screen idol." --Giorgio Armani, from the Foreword

One of the most charismatic movie stars of all time, Cary Grant left an indelible mark on the film industry and on the culture at large. His sense of style--so integral a part of who he was both onscreen and off has been admired, copied, emulated, and lauded, but never fully examined, until now.

With rare and never-before-published photographs, personal letters, and documents, this groundbreaking book reveals the style secrets that helped make Grant a fashion icon and a perennial inspiration to fans and fashion designers alike. On the twentieth anniversary of his death, and more than forty, years after he completed his final film, Grant is still a style influence, a cultural force, and a joy to audiences around the world. He is tile leading man’s gold standard, a paragon of poise whose personal elegance offers enduring lessons for us all.

Fashion and style writer Richard Torregrossa makes a powerful case for why Cary Grant matters today more than ever. His narrative includes exclusive original interviews with Tom Wolfe, Giorgio Armani, Helen Gurley Brown, Peter Bogdanovich, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Flusser, and Grant’s former Savile Row tailor, among many others. The remarkable story of Grant’s journey from the child born Archie Leach in Bristol, England, to the man known around the world as Cary Grant will inspire men and women, fans and fashionistas, to live their lives to the fullest.

FOREWORD BY GIORGIO ARMANI

PROLOGUE: A CELEBRATION OF STYLE

DRESSED TO KILL

MATS OFF AND BYE-BYE TO BOW TIES

THE AWFUL TRUTH

A TALE OF TWO (OR MAYBE THREE) .JACKETS

STUDENT OF STYLE

THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK

FROM FLAWS TO FLAWLESSNESS

A SUITABLE PROFESSION...OR. THE MAN IN THE WORSTED WOOL SUIT

ICON ASCENDING

A FRIEND IN NEED

AN INDEPENDENT MAN

FASHIONABLE FURNISHINGS

A WAY WITH WOMEN

TALL, DARK, AND VERY, VERY TAN

ROMANTIC HEART

CG STYLE: TIPS FROM THE MASTERS

AFTERWORD BY MICHAEL KORS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

NOTES

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

PHOTO CREDITS

INDEX