By Eva Lovia 
In a gathering that underscored the intersection of high fashion, venture capital, and literary ambition, Tory Burch opened her Upper East Side residence to celebrate the publication of Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life, the debut book by Emma Grede. Grede, a prominent figure in the global fashion industry as the CEO and co-founder of Good American and a founding partner of Skims, was joined by a sophisticated cohort of industry leaders, media executives, and cultural icons to mark her transition from corporate strategist to published author. The event, co-hosted by fashion legends Diane von Furstenberg and Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, served not only as a book launch but as a testament to Grede’s influential standing within a competitive professional landscape.
The atmosphere within Burch’s Fifth Avenue apartment reflected the refined aesthetic associated with her brand, featuring tangerine and chartreuse sitting rooms illuminated by candlelight. Guests, many of whom arrived wearing designs by Burch or von Furstenberg, included notable figures such as Gayle King, Huma Abedin, Joseph Altuzarra, June Ambrose, and Sophia Bush. The evening was characterized by a sense of professional camaraderie, bridging the gap between Grede’s early career in London and her current status as a titan of American retail.
A Career Defined by Strategic Innovation and Inclusion
Emma Grede’s rise within the fashion and business sectors is frequently cited as a blueprint for modern entrepreneurship. Originally from East London, Grede began her career in fashion show production and talent management, eventually founding ITB Worldwide, a London-based marketing and talent agency. It was during this period that she cultivated the relationships that would later facilitate her move into brand ownership.
Grede’s most significant commercial impact came with the 2016 launch of Good American, co-founded with Khloé Kardashian. The brand made headlines by generating $1 million in sales on its first day of operation, a feat attributed to its focus on size inclusivity—a segment of the market that had been historically underserved by luxury and contemporary labels. Following the success of Good American, Grede became a founding partner and Chief Product Officer of Skims, the shapewear and apparel company co-founded with Kim Kardashian, which was recently valued at approximately $4 billion.
Her debut book, Start With Yourself, seeks to distill the lessons learned from these high-stakes ventures. Grede described the work as the guide she wished she had possessed at age 25, focusing on the importance of intuition, self-trust, and the rejection of traditional "hustle culture" in favor of a more centered approach to leadership.
The Architecture of the New York Celebration
The event at Burch’s home was meticulously curated to reflect the themes of the book. As silver platters of caviar and hors d’oeuvres circulated, guests engaged in discussions regarding the changing nature of the fashion industry and the necessity of mentorship. The guest list itself was a "who’s who" of the creative and corporate worlds. Stylist Elizabeth Saltzman, who flew in specifically for the event, emphasized the tangible impact of Grede’s work, noting that her business models have fundamentally altered industry standards regarding representation.
Lynette Nylander, Executive Digital Director at Harper’s Bazaar, reflected on Grede’s consistency over the past decade. Having worked with Grede during her early agency days in London, Nylander noted that Grede’s current success is a natural extension of the drive and vision she displayed at the start of her career. This sentiment was echoed by other attendees who have witnessed Grede’s transition from a behind-the-scenes talent broker to a front-facing industry leader and television personality on programs like Shark Tank.
Tory Burch, speaking on her decision to host the event, highlighted the specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. Burch, who founded her eponymous brand 21 years ago, noted that the lack of role models and the prevalence of self-doubt are significant barriers for women in business. She praised Grede’s contagious energy and her ability to instill confidence in others, stating that the book’s message of trusting one’s gut is a philosophy she personally endorses.
Supporting Data: The Landscape of Female Entrepreneurship
The release of Start With Yourself comes at a critical juncture for female founders. Despite the success of individuals like Grede and Burch, broader economic data suggests a persistent gap in resources and support for women-led businesses. According to 2023 reports from PitchBook, companies founded solely by women received only about 2% of total venture capital funding in the United States.
Furthermore, while women-owned businesses represent a significant portion of the economy—generating trillions in annual revenue—they often face greater hurdles in scaling from small enterprises to global brands. Grede’s success with Good American and Skims places her in a rare tier of "unicorn" founders (those whose companies are valued at over $1 billion). Her book launch is viewed by many analysts as an attempt to democratize the strategies used to achieve this level of growth, providing a roadmap for the next generation of diverse founders.
The fashion industry, specifically, has seen a shift toward the "Founder as Influencer" model. Consumers increasingly demand transparency and a clear value system from the brands they support. By positioning herself as an author and thought leader, Grede is reinforcing the brand identity of her various ventures, aligning them with her personal narrative of resilience and inclusivity.
A Nationwide and International Tour Schedule
The New York City fete was the second major stop in what has been described as a "whirlwind" promotional tour. The launch sequence began the previous week in Los Angeles, where a celebration was hosted by Rachel Zoe and Aurora James, founder of the 15 Percent Pledge.
The upcoming itinerary for Grede’s book tour indicates a strategic effort to reach a broad audience across various demographics. Scheduled events include appearances and discussions with:
- Martha Stewart: Focusing on lifestyle branding and longevity in business.
- Tracee Ellis Ross: Discussing representation and the intersection of entertainment and entrepreneurship.
- Misty Copeland: Touching on discipline and breaking barriers in traditional fields.
- Charlamagne tha God and Jay Shetty: Engaging with themes of mental health, motivation, and cultural impact.
Following the domestic tour, Grede is scheduled to travel to London for a series of promotional events in her hometown. This international approach reflects the global footprint of her business interests and the universal appeal of her "start with yourself" philosophy.
Industry Implications and the Future of the "Founder-Author"
The publication of Start With Yourself represents a broader trend of successful business leaders leveraging their personal brands to provide mentorship at scale. In an era where traditional business school models are often criticized for being out of touch with the digital-first, socially conscious marketplace, books by founders like Grede offer practical, real-world insights.
The event at Tory Burch’s home also highlighted the importance of "soft power" in the fashion industry. The gathering of rivals and collaborators under one roof to celebrate a peer’s literary achievement signals a move toward a more collaborative industry ecosystem. By fostering these networks, leaders like Burch, von Furstenberg, and Grede are creating a support structure that was largely absent for previous generations of female executives.
As Grede moves forward with her tour, the success of the book will likely be measured not just in sales figures, but in its influence on the culture of entrepreneurship. Her message to "pass it on" suggests a desire to create a legacy that extends beyond retail profits and into the realm of professional empowerment. For an industry often criticized for its exclusivity, the sight of Grede—a woman who built her own path from East London to the heights of Manhattan’s social and business elite—offering a blueprint for others is a significant marker of cultural change.
The evening concluded with a final address from Grede to her guests. "I had a real vision for myself and for my life," she stated, emphasizing that the chicness of the surroundings was secondary to the years of labor and industry experience that led to this moment. With a nationwide tour ahead and a portfolio of multi-billion dollar brands behind her, Emma Grede has solidified her position as a definitive voice in the modern business landscape.