When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion By Julie Satow

"When Women Ran Fifth Avenue" by Julie Satow delves into the golden age of American department stores, spotlighting three visionary women who reshaped the retail landscape. From Bonwit Teller to Lord & Taylor to Henri Bendel, these women navigated the male-dominated industry to become influential leaders.

Hortense Odlum, Dorothy Shaver, and Geraldine Stutz each left their mark on the world of department stores. Odlum transformed Bonwit Teller from within, while Shaver championed American designers and Stutz revolutionized the modern department store experience.

Set against the backdrop of the 20th century, Satow paints a vivid picture of department stores as palaces of consumption, where women held sway over both shoppers and shopgirls. Despite the male ownership of these institutions, it was the women who drove innovation and success.

Satow's narrative unfolds with compelling storytelling, offering glimpses into the personal lives and professional achievements of these trailblazing women. From their rise to power to the risks they took and the legacies they left behind, their stories are woven together with drama, ambition, and trade secrets.

Through meticulous research and captivating prose, Satow captures the glitz, decadence, and allure of the department store world. "When Women Ran Fifth Avenue" celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of these remarkable women, shedding light on their contributions to shaping American retail and paving the way for future generations of female leaders. 📚❤️