It's hard to imagine New York Fashion Week existing if Fern Mallis hadn't created it in 1993.
Considered to be the "godmother of fashion," Mallis revolutionized the fashion industry by giving American designers a chance to showcase their collections. Later, as senior vice president of IMG Fashion, she created new fashion weeks in Miami, Los Angeles, Berlin, Moscow, Mumbai, Sydney and Melbourne, among others.
Mallis was in Houston for the Jewish Federation of Houston's annual women's outreach, Collage 2014, at the Westin Galleria. She talked with the Chronicle about work, life and laughter.
Reaction to the "fashion icon" label: Happy and proud. It's an interesting title.
The explosion of cities following her fashion week model: It's great that everyone is so into fashion and cities have realized this a good platform for business, and media impressions. It's flattering, but, honestly, I can't take credit for fashion shows happening all over the world.
Potential of fashion-show overkill: It depends upon the city; the talent is what drives the event as well as good organizational capabilities. Each city needs to understand who they are producing this event for and then manage the expectations. As long as people love fashion, beautiful models and dressing up - there will be regional fashion weeks.
On what she's learned since 1993: That could fill a book. You learn something new all the time, anyone who thinks they know it all is surely mistaken. But I have learned how resilient the business is.
Changes since 1993: The technology has changed it all. Now fashion shows are considered content: The biggest difference is the hand-held phone/camera in everyone's hands and the instant Tweeting, Instagramming and blogging. When we started, none of these words even existed.
Favorite designer: That's too difficult to answer. I like too many of them, and all for different reasons and occasions. I'm a diplomat!
People to laugh with: In the most general sense - my friend and mentor, Stan Herman, who was the president of the Council for Fashion Designers of America while I was the executive director. But, on special occasions, Michael Kors and Isaac Mizrahi are the funniest designers around and always make me laugh.
Funny moments: The streaker at Prabal Gurung's show (this year). Basically, fashion week is not funny. The industry takes itself way too seriously.
Most interesting "Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis" interview: I have truly have loved every one of my interviews. But everyone was enamored with Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Bruce Weber, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and laughed a lot with Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson and Isaac Mizrahi.
If not in fashion … : I'd be very happy doing interior design, renovating houses and decorating.
Odd trivia: I hate cilantro.
Advice to young people dreaming of a fashion career: Be nice. It is my best advice to anyone in any career. … And be smart, be a sponge and do everything you can for whomever you work for. Become indispensable.
via fashion - Google News http://ift.tt/1proDCn
0 意見:
張貼留言