This is such a good review, in part because it seems you so wanted to like the book and gave it every opportunity. For a much more satisfying story from a department store executive, I really enjoyed Lauren Sherman’s recent conversation with Peter Nordstrom on her podcast.
What a great read. I knew of Barney’s but next to nothing of its history, so this is excellent intel. The classic arc of the pioneering founder, with tensions and rivalries emerging among second and subsequent generations with scant knowledge of building from scratch. Also loved the ouch line about ‘failing to make it as film maker after not trying very hard’ - you’d need a heart of stone not to laugh at that!
Confusingly, he says it wasn't "written by a serious person," but also says "it was a long review, so I'm glad he took the time and the effort to write that." Might have been sarcastic.
The Keith McNally book was introspective and self aware but had a similar flaw of not being able to figure out what about 80s made it a good time to start a restaurant. He explains a lot of things but the big things seem to just happen with no narrative. Also he is very reluctant to speak to the things he’s good at, to a fault, such as interior decor and picking a good location
https://www.abebooks.com/9780745606521/Dining-Out-Sociology-Modern-Manners-0745606520/plp found this odd phd theists that explained a lot of that for me later, which seems to be that Reagan era deregulation created various zero interest rate phenomenon one of which was people started eating more meals outside and demanding better experiences in terms of dining out.
i tend to agree that it would have benefited from some more insights into / fundamentals about location, decor, lighting, etc. (though there is some good stuff along those lines ie the cheap decent and great bottles of wine being mismatched.) but i think he winds up mitigating that absence with a bunch of other compelling stuff.
the reagan-ZIRP effect as relates to mcnally restaurants and barneys is fascinating to think about, thanks for sharing that
This is such a good review, in part because it seems you so wanted to like the book and gave it every opportunity. For a much more satisfying story from a department store executive, I really enjoyed Lauren Sherman’s recent conversation with Peter Nordstrom on her podcast.
The “merchant princes” are such boring menaces.
“stickman in winter” 😂
Review so good I wanna read the book even though you give so many reasons not to.
Such a fantastic read. I always wanted to know a bit more about Barneys because of Drakeo The Ruler - who talked about the store, a lot. RIP : (
RIP the ruler
What a great read. I knew of Barney’s but next to nothing of its history, so this is excellent intel. The classic arc of the pioneering founder, with tensions and rivalries emerging among second and subsequent generations with scant knowledge of building from scratch. Also loved the ouch line about ‘failing to make it as film maker after not trying very hard’ - you’d need a heart of stone not to laugh at that!
Danny McBride! Perfect.
Loved reading this. What an amazing addition to my breakfast.
Gene Pressman responds to the review on How Long Gone, about 66 minutes in: https://howlonggone.com/852-gene-pressman
Confusingly, he says it wasn't "written by a serious person," but also says "it was a long review, so I'm glad he took the time and the effort to write that." Might have been sarcastic.
🤷♀️ i'd be surprised if he actually read it
Because he'd have been a lot angrier if he had? 😄
I’ve heard him interviewed twice - incredibly pompous!
That doesn't surprise me
I'll be in Manhattan next week for the first time next week. Any stores still alive there that are like the old (pre-Gene) Barney's?
Assuming you mean the classical Fred Pressman era -- maybe the Armoury? https://www.instagram.com/thearmourynyc/?hl=en
Other Spyfriends more plugged in to the tailoring world might have some other ideas...
Be sure to look at our NYC guides and travel chat too, and have a great trip!
Thank you, that’s the kind of place I was thinking of!
The Keith McNally book was introspective and self aware but had a similar flaw of not being able to figure out what about 80s made it a good time to start a restaurant. He explains a lot of things but the big things seem to just happen with no narrative. Also he is very reluctant to speak to the things he’s good at, to a fault, such as interior decor and picking a good location
https://www.abebooks.com/9780745606521/Dining-Out-Sociology-Modern-Manners-0745606520/plp found this odd phd theists that explained a lot of that for me later, which seems to be that Reagan era deregulation created various zero interest rate phenomenon one of which was people started eating more meals outside and demanding better experiences in terms of dining out.
i tend to agree that it would have benefited from some more insights into / fundamentals about location, decor, lighting, etc. (though there is some good stuff along those lines ie the cheap decent and great bottles of wine being mismatched.) but i think he winds up mitigating that absence with a bunch of other compelling stuff.
the reagan-ZIRP effect as relates to mcnally restaurants and barneys is fascinating to think about, thanks for sharing that