Up Close + Personal: Fern Mallis
In the world of fashion, few names carry the weight and legacy of Fern Mallis.
Known as the “Godmother of Fashion” Fern is the visionary force behind New York Fashion Week—an institution that not only redefined how designers present their work, but also transformed New York into one of the world’s fashion capitals. What began as a bold idea to unify and professionalize the industry has since become a global blueprint, inspiring fashion weeks around the world.
But Fern’s influence extends far beyond the runway. As an executive, consultant, author, and interviewer, she has built bridges between creativity and commerce, championing both emerging and established talent with equal fervor. Her commitment to storytelling has given us intimate portraits of the designers we revere, while her advocacy continues to shape the cultural dialogue around style, identity, and innovation.
We step beyond the runways to meet the woman whose vision has not only shaped the fabric of fashion, but also continues to inspire generations of creators to dream bigger, work harder, and leave their mark on the world.
You’ve often been called the "Godmother of Fashion Week,” but your impact goes far beyond the runway—how do you define your legacy, and what do you hope lives on long after the lights go down?
I’d like to think my legacy has been about supporting, encouraging, and championing young, emerging designers and talents across every corner of this industry. Helping open doors, creating platforms, and giving people a chance—that’s what I hope will live on.
Mentorship has clearly played a central role in your journey—what’s the most important lesson you try to instill in young professionals entering the fashion world today?
Be crystal clear about your focus and stay true to it. You can’t please everyone, but you can always be kind—and kindness is the best way to win people over. Beyond the creative dream, have a real foundation for your business. Understand the finances, the legalities, the structure behind it all. The creative part is wonderful, but if you don’t know how to make money from it, it’s not sustainable.
Looking back on your early years in the industry, what was the moment that tested you the most—and how did that moment shape the woman you’ve become?
There have been so many moments that tested me, it’s impossible to pinpoint just one. This industry is full of challenges, and every single one of them has shaped me, taught me resilience, and made me stronger for the next.
In an industry that constantly reinvents itself, how have you stayed grounded while remaining a force of innovation and influence?
I’m not sure I’ve always stayed grounded—but I try. I try to drink plenty of water, clearly not enough. Mostly, I’ve stayed engaged. I’ve stayed curious. Curiosity keeps you relevant; it pushes you to keep learning, keep observing, keep showing up. That’s where influence comes from—not trying to be the loudest voice in the room but staying interested enough to keep contributing.
You’ve had a front row seat to cultural shifts, changing aesthetics, and the rise and fall of fashion empires—what has been the most meaningful change you've witnessed in the industry, and what still needs to evolve?
The conversation around sustainability is one of the most meaningful—and it’s far from over. We still have a long way to go. I also think the evolution of androgynous clothing has been significant—seeing men and women freely wearing whatever they feel comfortable in, whether that’s skirts, dresses, or tailored suits. The reinvention of menswear, in particular, has been one of the biggest and most exciting shifts I’ve witnessed.
Beyond the public eye, what brings you the most joy or peace—what is something about you that people would never expect but is deeply a part of who you are?
Being at my house on the lake, watching the sun reflect off the water—that’s my happy place. Just lying there with my cat, Dimples, curled up on my chest, purring away—that’s the real me, the part of my life that grounds me and gives me peace.
If you could sit down with your younger self at the very beginning of your fashion journey, what would you tell her about the power of purpose, persistence, and personal truth?
I’d probably tell her to do exactly what I did—follow your heart and just go for it. But I’d also tell her to pay more attention to the business side of things—the finances, the paperwork. I always assumed someone else would handle that for me, and that was a mistake. I’d remind her to make time to enjoy life and to have fun, because when the joy disappears, it’s not worth it anymore. And finally, I’d tell her to always make space to give back, to mentor, to pay it forward—that’s where the true power of purpose lies.
Fern Mallis’s career is a reminder that true influence is measured not only in innovation, but also in authenticity. Her vision reshaped an entire industry, yet it is her genuine commitment to elevating others that defines her legacy. From creating spaces where designers could be discovered, to fostering conversations that reveal the humanity behind the fashion, Fern has consistently championed creativity with integrity. Her ability to celebrate the success of others while building a powerful legacy of her own is what makes her an enduring icon—one whose impact will continue to inspire the industry for generations to come.