We have been reminded of the lovely Joan Burnstein, owner of retail emporium Browns in London and general buying guru, by The Thoughtful Dresser’s author Linda Grant.
Joan and her husband Sidney started Browns in 1970 and it has been on a roll since then, bringing fabulous designers to our attention. Mrs B, as she is known to her staff and colleagues, has not stopped updating our wardrobes, bringing us new, innovative and life enhancing clothes to wear. The company has gained a world wide reputation as a spotter of potential designer stars and –perhaps more importantly- a commercially successful seller of the right clothes at the right time.
She is a champion of the stylish older woman, always seen beautifully turned out and constantly looks modern. She is always groomed, always on her shop floor in the morning to check out the store and always looking forward to the next new thing. She is a perfect example of how not to get stuck in a rut and stand still.
To prove the point the above photo of her featured recently on Scott Schuman’s too-cool-for-school fashion blogThe Sartorialist. Commenting to Linda Grant for the episode in her book on dressing after a certain age, Ms Burnstein said that really, the only rule to apply is ‘no puffed sleeves’.
We agree, but might add a definative no short puffed sleeves.