Uncross Your Legs

On any given day, more people will be "wearing" Stan Herman than any other American fashion designer. In his 95th year that is just part of a life well-lived, and well-loved. In Uncross Your Legs: A Life in Fashion, Herman reflects on a remarkable life and career, from his childhood in Brooklyn, NY and Passaic, NJ, to WWII Army service in Europe, and back to NYC as a young freelance designer in the fashion hothouse of the Garment District. Next up, 16 years as head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where he was instrumental in bringing New York Fashion Week to Bryant Park – all the while continuing his thriving uniform and leisurewear design business. He is the most acclaimed uniform designer of our time as well as catnip on television's QVC, having sold close to 900,000 items since 2017. His memoir is also a deeply moving and insightful. following personal triumphs and tragedies, including his nearly 40-year relationship with novelist Gene Horowitz, who suffered a heart attack and passed away in 1992. Together they lived their lives in the shadow of the AIDS crisis that decimated their personal and professional worlds. They also shared a beloved poodle named "Mozart," who helped fill the void when Herman found himself suddenly alone. With equal aplomb, Herman writes with humor and compassion, caring about animal rights in the fashion industry – as well as encountering the indignities of one's aging anatomy. He invites us into his world and introduces us to many of America's gifted fashion designers. Hear the story of the man whose vision, over 60 years, has dramatically helped forge and transform American style told in his own words and voice.