First, there was
MILAN PARIS LONDON
Then, there was Fern.
And now, it’s all about
NEW YORK
Fern Mallis: Godmother of American Fashion
is a documentary feature that explores the biggest name in fashion you’ve never heard…
In this 90-minute documentary film, viewers embark on the story of Fern Mallis, a trail blazing visionary in the fashion industry.
Mallis’ journey from teenage design enthusiast to celebrated fashion consultant spans six decades and intersects with some of the world’s most recognized names.
During the youthquake of the 60s, the disco era of the 70s, the excesses of the 80s, Fern was surrounded by a group of up-and-coming fashion hopefuls, many of whom are now household names and lifelong friends.
A pivotal moment in Mallis' career came in the early 1990s when she created a centralized New York Fashion Week (NYFW), a monumental achievement that not only elevated American designers onto the global stage but also reshaped the landscape of the fashion world.
Mallis' ascent was not without its challenges. The male- dominated fashion industry is notorious for pervasive sexism and ageism and Mallis has battled both throughout her long career. Her story epitomizes strength, intelligence and leadership, testing entrenched gender norms and underscoring the indispensable contributions of women in an industry where their contributions are often sidelined.
The film explores broader themes of feminism, power dynamics, and challenges the notion that women become increasingly invisible as they age. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, Mallis and her close-knit circle of friends and collaborators, including some of the industry's luminaries, offer poignant insights into their shared journey of confronting conventions and controversies and achieving success in an industry renowned for its worship of youth and beauty.
Fern Mallis serves as a powerful testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Mallis remains an indomitable force, transcending stereotypes and continuing to shape the fashion landscape well into her 70s. Her multifaceted career trajectory—from philanthropy to business consultancy, media hosting, authorship, and public speaking—underscores her unwavering commitment to reinvention and empowerment. In essence, Mallis’ story serves as an inspiration to reimagine notions of success, power and aging.
“Fern’s fervor for elevating American fashion to its rightful place in art and culture has always been at the heart of her mission.”
– RALPH LAUREN
The biggest names in fashion
RALPH LAUREN
TOMMY HILFIGER
MICHAEL KORS
VICTORIA BECKHAM
CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
NAOMI CAMPBELL
CINDY CRAWFORD
CALVIN KLEIN
CHRISTY TURLINGTON
CLAUDIA SCHIFFER
LEONARD LAUDER
IMGDIANE VON FURSTENBERG
ARTHUR ELGORT
ROBERT VERDI
KEN DOWNING
NORDSTROM
BETSEY JOHNSON
ISAAC MIZRAHI
IRIS APFEL
VERA WANG
COUNCIL OF FASHION DESIGNERS OF AMERICA