Picture the raised eyebrows. In 1906, a dying court costumier leaves his flourishing fashion house not to his male business partner, as caution and paternalistic tradition would dictate, but to his female shop manager. This book is about Charles Barrance's life, how that led him to that remarkable, convention-changing moment, and the contrast with Robert White Ford, the man who missed out. Does it also prove to be a sound business decision when Jessie Drake, the woman, takes charge?

Set against the glamour and glitz of high-class fashion, the outcome that gets unveiled will inspire anyone whose life leans toward caution or who dares to meet courage head-on.