Ready to Wear: A History of the Footwear and Garment Industries in St. Louis

Ready to Wear is the story of two wearable industries in St. Louis, Missouri—footwear and garments, alike in their end products but drastically different in their production processes. The book takes a unique look at footwear and clothing through factual narrative, seldom-told stories, and detailed vintage images.

Through historical narrative, personal connection, and local lore, Valerie Battle Kienzle transports the reader to the Washington Avenue of yesteryear nicknamed Shoe Street USA—located in the heart of downtown. The book uncovers a surprising fashion industry hub right in the heart of the Midwest and delivers a lengthy and impressive history of renowned fashion innovators on every page.

Order here: Ready to Wear

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Valerie Battle Kienzle

Author

Valerie Battle Kienzle is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of the University of Missouri's School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri. She spent the last 40+ years employed in various writing-related positions -- newspaper reporter, corporate public affairs manager, advertising account representative, school district communications writer, freelance writer, and author.

Valerie is a member of The State Historical Society of Missouri, the St. Charles County (MO) Historical Society; Missouri History Museum, St. Louis; the St. Louis chapter of Fashion Group International, Inc.; Daughters of the American Revolution; Foundation for the Restoration of Ste. Genevieve; and The Wednesday Club of Saint Louis. She has been a speaker for the Missouri Humanities Council's "Show Me Missouri" Speakers' Bureau and an instructor for OASIS, St. Louis's older adult enrichment program. Her interests include reading (history, non-fiction), music (any and all types), gardening, travel, and genealogical research. An animal lover, she shares her home with a dog and two cats, and her yard with a herd of deer.

Valerie credits her grandmothers with instilling in her a lifelong love of history. The stories and photographs they shared made her want to learn more about the past.

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