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Little Gloria: The Extraordinary Life of Gloria Vanderbilt

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A Young Gloria Vanderbilt With Her Mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt LITTLE GLORIA Barbara Goldsmith

Gloria Vanderbilt was an American socialite, artist, fashion designer, and writer. She was a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family and was known for her glamorous lifestyle and high-profile marriages. Her childhood was marked by tragedy and scandal, but she eventually overcame adversity to become a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.

LITTLE GLORIA

by Barbara Goldsmith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10546 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	688 pages

Early Life

Gloria Laura Vanderbilt was born on February 20, 1924, in New York City. Her father, Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, was a wealthy railroad heir, and her mother, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, was a socialite. Gloria's parents divorced when she was a young child, and she was raised by her mother in a luxurious lifestyle.

In 1934, Gloria's mother died of an overdose of sleeping pills. Gloria was then placed in the custody of her paternal aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney. Whitney was a prominent art collector and patron of the arts, and she had a profound influence on Gloria's development.

The "Poor Little Rich Girl"

After her mother's death, Gloria became known as the "poor little rich girl." She was the subject of numerous magazine articles and newspaper stories, which chronicled her lavish lifestyle and the tragedy of her childhood. Gloria's story captivated the public, and she became a symbol of the lost innocence of the Jazz Age.

In 1938, Gloria's aunt died, and she inherited a large fortune. She used her inheritance to establish a trust fund for herself and to support her artistic pursuits. Gloria studied art at the Art Students League in New York City, and she went on to become a successful painter and sculptor.

Marriages and Family

Gloria Vanderbilt was married four times. Her first marriage, to Pat DiCicco, ended in divorce in 1945. Her second marriage, to Leopold Stokowski, ended in divorce in 1955. Her third marriage, to Sidney Lumet, ended in divorce in 1963. Her fourth and final marriage, to Wyatt Emory Cooper, lasted from 1963 until his death in 1978.

Gloria had four children: Leopold Stanislaus "Stan" Stokowski, Christopher Stokowski, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper, and Anderson Cooper. Her son Anderson Cooper is a well-known journalist and television personality.

Fashion Design and Business

Gloria Vanderbilt was a successful fashion designer. She launched her own clothing line in 1976, which featured jeans, blouses, and other casual wear. The Gloria Vanderbilt brand became a household name, and it is still sold today.

In addition to her fashion line, Gloria Vanderbilt was also involved in other business ventures. She wrote several books, including an autobiography, and she appeared in numerous television shows and commercials. She also served on the board of directors of several companies.

Philanthropy

Gloria Vanderbilt was a generous philanthropist. She supported numerous charities, including the American Red Cross, the United Way, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She also established the Gloria Vanderbilt Foundation, which supports organizations that provide services to children and families.

Death and Legacy

Gloria Vanderbilt died on June 17, 2019, at the age of 95. She is remembered as a glamorous socialite, a successful businesswoman, and a generous philanthropist. Her life was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and she will be long remembered as one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.

Gloria Vanderbilt was a remarkable woman who lived a long and extraordinary life. She overcame adversity to become a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, and she left a lasting legacy of art, fashion, and philanthropy. Her story is an inspiration to all who dream of achieving their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.

LITTLE GLORIA

by Barbara Goldsmith

4.3 out of 5