When I was young, I dreamed about a career in fashion. I went into Public Relations long before it was a popular career. I have always enjoyed shopping so I was very excited to read this ARC

From the book, I learned that Barney's opened in 1923, the year after my grandma was born. (Li Lac Chocolates was also founded that year)My dad bought his bar-mitzvah suit at Barney's in 1958!

The book is chock full of historical information.

I've attended the famous Barney's warehouse sale which was first held Sept 8-12, 1970, four years before I was born.

In disco era, fashion was a huge part of who was worthy of gaining entrance into Studio 54. Barney's began selling leather pants (& silk shirts for dressing for nightlife).

I enjoyed the later chapters which were about the designers I'm personally familiar with including Lagerfeld, Saint Laurent, Kenzi, Calvin Klein, Prada and Donna Karan. In the '80s (the generation I grew up in) people were fashion obsessed. The yuppies replaced the 70s hippies.

The paragraphs about Simon Doonan were some of my favs!

So many wonderful quotes scattered throughout the book including:

*"Men shop for suits, women shop for art."
"If you build it. They will come."
"Fashion has never only been about luxury."

Barney's was a specialty shop. It has always been more than a store. It was a status symbol and a symbol of NY with a point-of-view. Barney's was a pioneer and a leader. It did natural beauty decades before the "wellness" trend.

By the end of the book, I felt as if I had personally known The Pressman's. I was sad when Fred was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Disappointed that Gene divorced Bonnie. The photos were a great touch and helped get to know this hardworking family.

I kept waiting for a chapter on Fred's which unfortunately was omitted but was unaware who the restaurant was named after until now.

Those in the fashion industry will enjoy.

A fascinating look at the history of Barney’s, arguably one of the top three stores in Nee York. Thanks NetGalley and Publisher.