#254 How Women Reinvented Fifth Ave: A Conversation with Julie Satow
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"When women ran Fifth Avenue, they did more than sell clothes—they shaped American fashion and business," says Julie Satow, award-winning journalist and author. In this episode, CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour dives deep with Satow into her latest book, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. Discover the untold stories of the women who led iconic department stores like Bonwit Teller, Lord & Taylor, and Henri Bendel, and how they navigated the complexities of the early 20th-century business world. From their pioneering roles to the personal sacrifices they made, Satow paints a vivid picture of ambition, reinvention, and resilience. Whether you're fascinated by fashion history or looking for inspiration in your own career journey, this episode is a must-listen. Bio: Julie Satow is an award-winning journalist and the author of "The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel," a New York Times Editor's Choice and NPR favorite book of 2019. She is a regular contributor to The New York Times and has written extensively on real estate and business. Timestamps: 02:55 - The personal reinvention that led Satow to writing 05:42 - Covid is a social history of New York through the hotel 07:25 - These department stores in the early 20th century were not like what we think 10:24 - Three women became presidents of famous department stores by accident or design 14:51 - All three women had men who helped them pave the way in mentorship roles 18:08 - Why do you think these particular women were ambitious? Why? 23:33 - Did those ladies then pull up women behind them? What happened behind them? 26:04 - Dorothy Shaver helped establish American vogue   Key Points: Julie Satow's book highlights the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in the early American fashion industry. The department stores of the early 20th century were not just retail spaces but cultural and social hubs for women. Despite working in a male-dominated industry, these women carved out powerful roles and left lasting legacies. The decline of department stores marks a shift in retail culture but also opens new avenues for entrepreneurship and innovation.   Links and Resources: Visit Julie Satow's Website Purchase "When Women Ran Fifth Avenue" Explore Covey Club   If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!  
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