A Boy and his Bear

by Gregory Ladner

In this raw and hilarious memoir, a boy of humble beginnings in working-class Melbourne goes from dressing up his teddy to designing for Melbourne’s high society. Gregory Ladner lifts the lid on a world of gorgeous women, glamourous gowns and salacious secrets. It’s a rags-to-riches story – without the rags!
 
A Boy and His Beartracks Ladner’s career as an Australian couturier, an international designer working in Hong Kong, and a creator of a hugely successful fashion accessory company. Beneath the glitz, it is also a highly entertaining mosaic of intimate and shocking confessions, both sensitive and brutal – a story of love, loss and social taboos in a society laced with contradictions.
 
Revealing in more ways than one, and illustrated by the author’s own exquisite pen drawings, the colourful retrospective is a vivid, no-holds-barred reflection of a bygone era.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2022

Reviews

[Eileen Walder · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Boy and his Bear; one of the most captivating books I have read. From bullied nerd in Melbourne's western suburbs to internationally acclaimed fashion designer, Gregory Ladner reveals all in this very honest and humorous story. The creative little guy making designer fashion for his teddy then shocked everyone with his outfits at Art College but his design for the prestigious 'Gown of the Year' opened up the fashion world of Melbourne where he became the 'darling' of society ladies especially for their daughters' lavish one-off wedding gowns. Then after becoming the consultant designer for every department at Hong Kong's 'Shanghai Tang' store he returned to Australia to launch into his fabulous accessories which are available at leading department stores.
It's an honest story, paying tribute to the amazing women in his life and his partner of 40 years. Greg's own illustrations will make you smile.
I couldn't put it down, then had to re-read immediately.

[Carolyn Grenville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Ladner takes you along on the ride of his life. From humble beginnings in the suburbs of Melbourne he tells all about his fascinating career as a designer and the ups and downs of his family and personal life. It’s a cracking read made even better by Gregory’s witty illustrations. Five big stars. I loved it.

[Geoff Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caution! Do not read this memoir in bed late at night, your chuckling will definitely disturb your bed partner.

At the end of this read you will you feel you have spent a very personal time with Ladner as he relates his memories. His honesty and 'tell all' courage deserves congratulations.

[Katrina Pennock]

If you’re after a book that makes you laugh out loud and difficult to put down then grab yourself a copy of A Boy and his Bear!
A brave and at times revealing insight into one of Australia’s favourite creatives.

[Pauline]

The Gregory Ladner story is both fascinating and inspirational and has been written with great wit and humour with surprising snippets of human insight.