Showing results by narrator "Mary Portas" in All Categories

Mary, Queen of Shops star and style doyenne Mary Portas explores what style means to us and the way we live today. Looking at the worlds of fashion, design, architecture and interiors, she discovers how they reveal the desires, passions and beliefs, not just of individuals but of society. A fabulous celebration of all things sartorial and aesthetic, this smart, sassy series will enlighten and delight—and make you think about your own relationship with style.

By most people’s standards I would say I’ve had a pretty good career. I’ve reached the top of the ‘ladder’ and been lucky enough to have had a damned good life. But at what cost? At the cost of who I truly was. I played the business game for years, where the rules were set by men for men. I was tough and aggressive. I put in long hours, was competitive and resilient. But I suppressed my natural energy, sensitivity and instinct. I worked like this until I couldn’t any more. And then I changed....

Young Mary Newton, born into a large Irish family in a small Watford semi, is always getting into trouble. When she isn’t choking back fits of giggles at Holy Communion or eating Chappie dog food for a bet, she’s accidentally setting fire to the local school. Mary is a trouble magnet. And...

Since the pandemic, many businesses have gone under. Others are fighting to stay afloat. But some are thriving. Why is that? Rebuild is a lift raft, a vital guide to how we reset and build back better. Retail and brand expert Mary Portas argues that over the past 30 years, the business of what we buy has been dominated by the biggest, fastest and cheapest. But those values no longer resonate. We've come to realise that more doesn't equal better.

A WATERSTONES BEST ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF 2025 'A riot' - The Times 'Absolutely irresistible' - Joanna Lumley 'I couldn't put it down!' - Michelle Ogundehin 'Entertaining and energetic' - Stylist Chronicling how she transformed Harvey Nichols from a fusty, old-fashioned store to a thriving...