#254 How Women Reinvented Fifth Ave: A Conversation with Julie Satow

"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!