I experienced fashion heaven when visiting the stunning exhibition celebrating '40 years of Browns' the iconic fashiion boutique on South Molton Street, London. Over the years it has expanded from a single shop into five connecting shops. Browns was actually born from financial disaster - originally the founders Sidney & Joan Burstein had a very successful chain of shops called 'Neatawear', due to their bankers withdrawing funds they went bust causing them to loose everything. As with all driven self employed - you dust yourself down and start again! The new venture would only specialise in the rarefied field of high-end fashion & to survive takes skill & guts. Mrs Burstein with her impeccable discerning eye and Mr Burstein's business acumen they took the business to worldwide acclaim. Mrs Burstein was instrumental in discovering and stocking new talent such as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Commes des Garcons to name just a fraction of designers whose careers she launched. Not content with this she also introduced to the UK Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, Missoni - now household names. The exhibition takes you through the four decades of the designers they have represented. Wonderfully lit displays backed by stunning photographic images by 'Paolo Reversi'. The only sad note is that Sidney Burstein died in April and did'nt see this wonderful exhibition - though it is surely a testament to his vision and Mrs B's talent. A limited edition book is available celebrating 'Browns 40 Years' - of course we have a copy!
http://www.brownsfashion.com/
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Worked as window dresser at Neatawear Oxford Street 1964 /65. Think she liked my street fashions. Natural dyed child's Shetland sweaters and child's kilts from the Shetland Shop in Bond Street. sweaters. Naturally dyed Harris Tweed short skirts and coat from private school uniform department of some department store. Those were the days!!
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