Kenneth: Shear Elegance

by Giuseppe Longo, Melissa Rivers (Foreword), Garren (Foreword)

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 Previously unpublished photographs, notes, clippings, and original Joe Eula illustrations richly exhibit both his myriad achievements and America's 20th-century high-fashion scene.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful look into the life and word of "Mr. Kenneth," the hair stylist to icons like Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy. I wasn't really familiar with him before this book and it really made me feel as if I knew him and could see why so many people loved him. It is filled with historic photos of his clients, his work and his wonderful NYC salon that burned down, plus much more. I loved reading about his deep friendship with Joan Rivers and the pranks she pulled on him, which is all especially fun to learn about in light of how very dignified and proper he always was. You can tell that the author really knew him and got him, and the book really makes you like and admire him and his iconic hairstyles. Very well done.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

[Phillip Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenneth Battelle (more famously known as “Mr. Kenneth”) was an influential hairdresser to the stars and high society. This is an attractive and nicely designed book that illustrates his career with many accolades and comments by his former clients. However, if you have read the 2003 Vanity Fair article (available online), you have read everything in the book (with the exception of Melissa River’s introduction and some of his product descriptions). There is minimal information about his personal life and the endless tributes are a bit repetitive. That said, the photos are wonderful (many are by Richard Avedon).

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
This book was sheer elegance. The nostalgia and beauty of eras gone by was beautifully captured. I loved all the pictures and the literary content was equally engaging.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the lucky ones who was a client of Kenneth’s both on 54th Street and at his Waldorf location after the dreadful fire. He was such a joy to be with, on top of being such a wonderful hair stylist. We exchanged jokes galore and had enormous fun discussing current events and everything of interest. The book captures the true affection his clients had for him in notes, photos and anecdotes. A true gentleman and a bit shy I wish he were alive to discuss it with him. A must read for anyone who went to him or knew him!!