Lipstick on the Rim Fashion Icons, Emerging Brands & Industry Secrets with NYFW Creator Fern Mallis AKA The Godmother of Fashion
Feb 25, 2025
Fern Mallis, the Godmother of Fashion and creator of New York Fashion Week, shares her incredible journey that revolutionized the fashion world. She dives into the origins and evolution of NYFW, revealing must-know brands and insights on building a lasting fashion label today. Fern reminisces about her legendary conversations at 92NY and iconic moments backstage at major fashion shows. Plus, she discusses the industry's shift towards sustainability and what truly defines a fashion icon, all woven with rich anecdotes from her vibrant career.
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Early Fashion Influence
- Fern Mallis's father worked in the garment center, sparking her early interest in fashion.
- Winning a fashion design medal in high school and a Mademoiselle guest editorship solidified her path.
Diverse Career Path
- Fern Mallis held various roles, including fashion director and PR company owner, before joining CFDA.
- Her diverse experience in fashion, retail, and design proved valuable.
Birth of NYFW
- The disorganized state of New York Fashion Week, with 50 shows in different locations, prompted change.
- An incident at a Michael Kors show with falling plaster highlighted the need for a centralized venue.