9In February 1978, when the flawless Gia Carangi arrived in New York at the age of barely eighteen, she had already landed a contract with one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world. The future that lay before her seemed dazzling. Blessed with a magnetic beauty and a unique personality, the young Philadelphia native reached the peak of success in only a few months, quickly joining the elite ranks of "supermodels." One of the most requested models in her field, Gia appeared regularly in such magazines as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan. For all intents and purposes, Gia's life quickly became a fairy tale-or so it seemed. In only a few years, Gia's destiny was complicated by unscrupulous individuals and by her inability to manage her cataclysmic success. Once on that road, the legendary model began a decline that led to her tragic end.Born This Way brings to light never-before-heard stories and unusual memories of Gia, offering new perspectives on her life, career, and personality. Through these previously unpublished accounts by those who knew and worked with Gia, Lanvin shines a spotlight on the woman herself, peering beneath the fast-lane glamor and the fame to capture the true essence of a supermodel who continues to mesmerize the world even decades after her death.****REVIEWS/PRAISES FOR LANVIN"The book is VERY impressive." _Stan Malinowski (Fashion Photographer)"It's the most truthful telling of Gia Carangi's story." _Anthony DeMay (Fashion Hairstylist)"I stayed up late last night reading it. You have done an incredible job, the variety of perspectives gives a depth and respect to Gia that has long been wanting. Your writing style and quality of research, objectiveness and empathy shine through throughout. You should be proud and I am sure Gia would have approved heartily." _Bob Menna (Model)"You have done a splendid job. I am very touched by the many remembrances that peopleshared and how much she affected them in a positive way. This would be a far better movie than the one already made." _Maury Hopson (Fashion Hairstylist)