Book Club Monday

I am sooo in love with today’s book club choice, Kenneth: Shear Elegance by Giuseppe Longo. In case you didn’t know Kenneth was THE hairstylist to the stars wayyyy before any of the other big-names of today came along. He was the pioneer of the celebrity hairstylist. His salon was located in the amazingly iconic Waldorf Astoria and opened in the early 1950s. His star-studded elegant clientele included Jackie O, Maralyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Lucile Ball and so many more grande dames and then also MY MOTHER. Yes, my mother would go to Kenneth’s every month. She loved it there and so did I. Throughout most of the ’70s and 80’s we would make the trek into NYC and go to Kenneths. Of course, being the first major celebrity to the stars, the Salon was so gorgeous. There was a huge round center banquette for all the ladies to wait for their turn with an enormous tall gorgeous plant right in the middle, which always looked like it was just assembled that morning. The talented Billy Baldwin decorated the space and it was truly incredible. I was so excited when I heard this book was being published this month.

Discover the story of the pioneering hairstylist who obliterated the once-omnipresent hat and transformed the fashion industry through his A-list clients at his iconic 54th Street Salon. Kenneth Battelle, known simply as “Kenneth,” started his 50-year career in the early 1950s in New York City and built a loyal client list who swore by his skills, including Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Countess Consuelo Crespi, Diana Vreeland, Lucille Ball, and Gloria Vanderbilt. This biography not only celebrates his extraordinary talent but examines his behind-the-scenes life and career struggles, including the disastrous fire that destroyed his salon, and his perseverance moving forward. Through personal memories of those closest to him, including friends, clients, and former employees, the man who created a cult of classic, timeless ladies comes to life. Previously unpublished photographs, notes, clippings, and original Joe Eula illustrations richly exhibit both his myriad achievements and America’s 20th-century high-fashion scene. – Amazon.com

This book has been so popular that it is currently backordered but will arrive in time for the holidays so it makes a PERFECT gift..for more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

The Fabulous Kenneth Salon…..How I would love to be sitting there right now!!