The Southampton Arts Center presents an evening with three fashion industry powerhouses. Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, and designers Stan Herman and Jeffrey Banks will partake in a discussion on Sunday, June 25, at 4 PM.
“I’m so looking forward to being at the SAC with my two favorite friends and designers,” said Mallis, the evening’s host.
The idea came to fruition after Mallis spoke with SAC’s Executive Director Christina Mossaides Strassfield and following her viewing of the current Harry Benson fashion photography exhibition, which will be on view during the event. “I was overwhelmed. It’s a gorgeous exhibition,” said Mallis.
Attendees will be treated to a discussion as Mallis navigates the iconic designs of Stan Herman and the preppy sophistication of Jeffery Banks. The event offers an opportunity to be immersed in the world of fashion and hear firsthand accounts, captivating stories, and insights from these fashion icons.
“We decided I’d do it with two of my very, very dear friends who are here. Stan Herman is my neighbor, but was also President of the CFDA for many years. And Jeffery Banks the designer — Jeffery is also someone who was instrumental for me getting to the CFDA when I was initially hired there. He helped open some doors for me. The three of us have a lot of shared history together.”
Mallis, heralded as a leader in fashion, will lead the conversation, providing rare insights into the industry she has helped shape. Post-conversation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and purchase personally signed copies of Fern’s book, “Fashion Icons 2.”
“We expect to have a good time. To talk about fun stories and share some fashion inside scoop. We’ll talk about the book and different interviews… we’ll have a fun couple hours of fashion,” she said.
This event aims to be more than just a conversation — a passport to the heart of the fashion industry. Fashion enthusiasts, budding designers, and industry professionals are encouraged to secure a seat.
For the last 12 years, Mallis has hosted the acclaimed 92nd Street NY conversation series “Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis.” Her Rizzoli book series chronicles “Fashion Icons” — the second book in the series was released last year.
“I’m very, very proud of the interviews in the book. They are good for anyone who is interested in how people started businesses from nothing,” she said.
Interviews in the book include Valentino Garavani, Victoria Beckham, Christian Siriano, Billy Porter, Tim Gunn, Iris Apfel, and Stan Herman, to name a few. Mallis’s interview on her own beginning in the fashion industry is also included. The book offers never before seen photos of some of the subjects as well.
“One of my very favorites is Leonard Lauder. His interview is truly one of my favorites of the series,” she recalled.
She also referenced Bob Mackie who “received a prolonged standing ovation” at the 92nd Street Y, as well as activist and model Bethann Hardison, “Somebody who is a pioneer and activist about inclusivity and diversity in the industry,” said Mallis.
She noted that Arthur Elgort’s interview was memorable as well. “Everybody just laughed through it because he’s so charming and funny. He was interfacing with the audience and talking to Christy Turlington in the front row.”
“There are some really terrific people to hear from and learn from their stories from everything they’ve accomplished,” she said.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to host such an exceptional event at the Southampton Arts Center. It’s not every day that we get to welcome industry titans like Fern Mallis, Stan Herman, and Jeffery Banks to our stage,” said Strassfield. “We’re certain our guests will walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art and craft of fashion. We can’t wait to see you on June 25.”
After two decades at the CFDA and IMG Fashion, Mallis is now President of her own international consulting firm. She is the recipient of numerous industry awards including the 2013 Fashion Industry Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pratt Institute, the 2013 FIT President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Icon of Innovation Award from Fashion Group International in 2022.
In between fashion consulting and interviewing icons, she enjoys time on the East End. When asked what her perfect day looked like, she said, “I enjoy it most when I’m just relaxing at my house on my beautiful lake.”
When she isn’t enjoying her home, she attends events to support various organizations on the East End.
“It’s a little crowded these days in the Hamptons, so I’m most happy staying close to home with my friends who are on the lake also. We have a nice group of pals here,” she continued of her Southampton home.
During her time out East, she enjoys going to Folwer’s Garden Center and getting flowers or something to plant in the garden. Cooking at home is also a joy after a trip to the local seafood shop.
For more information about the event or to reserve space, visit SAC’s website.
