Empresses of Seventh Avenue
World War II, New York City, and the Birth of American Fashion
When it comes to fashion on the internet there are two names you should know: Derek Guy and Jason Herbert. I know, I know. Maybe it’s time I took credit for the men’s sleeveless revolution or my ingrained belief that there is a pair of flip-flops for any occasion.
But in reality, fashion is something while maybe I snorted at earlier my life, it’s become sort of a curiosity of mine. And besides, there are tons of fashionable historians out there, so why not join in on the fun?
Fortunately for fans of this pod, I have just the guest, book, and movie for you. I’m talking about my new friend Nancy MacDonell, who just published a phenomenal study of the women who built New York City into the fashion hub that it is today. You can check it out in the link below, but to borrow a fashion term, Nancy’s new book is just fabulous. (Is it very demure or very mindful? Time will tell.)
At any rate, I invited Nancy on to talk about The Devil Wears Prada, a film I had never seen prior to watching it for the episode, and we had the BEST TIME. Nancy’s insight into how women overcame obstacles in the industry and American society following World War II is spellbinding. So in the pod, we talk about Anna Wintour, Vogue, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and yes Stanley Tucci, but also maybe some women you don’t know, such as Carmel Snow, Clare McCardell, and Dorothy Shaver. And of course, we talk about this movie.
So I hope you enjoy this pod as much as I enjoyed talking to and learning from Nancy. Links below.
About our guest:
Nancy MacDonell is a fashion journalist and fashion historian. She writes the Wall Street Journal column "Fashion with a Past," in which she explores the historic roots of current fashion trends. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Elle, Vogue, and many other publications. She is the author of five books, including The Classic Ten: The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites. Nancy is an adjunct lecturer in fashion history at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She was born in Montréal and lives in Brooklyn with her family.
Own her book:
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Jason
PPSSTTT- Oh you can share this too if you want.