If it weren’t for Fern Mallis, New York wouldn’t have a Fashion Week. The Brooklyn-born powerhouse staged the first Bryant Park Fashion Week in 1994, when she was the director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In the 18 years since, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, now held at Lincoln Center, has become one of the biggest events in the world and a huge boon to the city. Mallis now works as a consultant to fashion designers and sells her Fern’s Finds line of jewelry on HSN. She also interviews fashion folks in her annual series of conversations at the 92nd Street Y. (The season’s first, with Diane von Furstenberg, is Wednesday.) This year, the Upper East Sider will be attending shows as a guest — and a keen, if unnecessary, shopper. “I don’t need one new thing. I could shop my closet for the rest of my life,” says the 60-something style maven. “But that’s what fashion is about, getting seduced by it all.” This is her New York Fashion Week.
1. New York Public Library, 476 Fifth Ave., between 40th and 42nd streets
“It was always right there, next to the tents at the park, and it’s one of the most extraordinary institutions in New York. I’m really fond of it. You walk in, and it’s an extraordinarily powerful place. The first-floor gallery space and the Celeste Bartos Forum downstairs; they are beautiful spaces we did shows in for many years.”
2. Bryant Park, Sixth Ave. between 40th and 42nd streets
“The statue of Gertrude Stein on the eastern side used to sit prominently in the backstage dressing area in the very earliest incarnation of Fashion Week. I always would get a kick out of it. We’d wind up putting necklaces or scarves around her head. Now if I’m ever in Midtown, I make a point of going over there. I get a cappuccino on the corner, sit down and take it in.”
3. Lincoln Center, 63rd Street at Columbus Avenue
“The venues now are new and fresh and have modern amenities; it’s a very different feeling. This year, I’m picking and choosing [what shows I attend]. I like running into people. I always look forward to Michael Kors; it’s always a beautiful show. Brandon Sun is having his second presentation. I have a couple of his dresses, and he’s very special. I always like to go to Tracy Reese, Ralph Rucci, Reem Acra and Diane von Furstenberg. And Tommy [Hilfiger] has been creating some fabulous spaces for his shows recently.”
4. No. 8, 357 W. 16th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues
“This place is very, very booked up for Fashion Week this year. I’ve been on other nights after an evening out. It’s a like a newer version of Bungalow 8, with the palms and the banquettes. It’s nice and intimate. And [Amy Sacco’s] staff is adorable. I like it when a big doorman says, ‘Ms. Mallis, we’ve been expecting you.’ ”
5. Boom Boom Room at the Standard New York Hotel, 848 Washington St.
“This has become an iconic space in New York, a young version of the Rainbow Room. It’s always a good place to pop into for a party during Fashion Week.You feel great when you’re there. The views are staggering. You always want to bring new friends there to show off.”
6. Michael’s, 24 West 55th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues
“Anybody who is anybody ends up there for lunch. You can do more business at Michael’s in two hours than you can in a week trying to get people on the phone. A lot, a lot of business is done at Michael’s. The Cobb salad is legendary, but the past year I’ve had soft-shell crab every time I’ve been.”
7. Danvie Nails & Spa NYC, 766 Madison Ave., between 65th and 66th streets
“I try before the week starts to get a pedicure. I’m a same-color girl. I have a gel manicure in Essie ‘Pachinko Pale.’ For toes, it’s a metallic gray, ‘Varnished’ from Revlon. I go to Danvie because it’s in my neighborhood. They’re lovely, efficient and they do really good work.”
8. Stephen Knoll Salon, 625 Madison Ave., between 58th and 59th streets
“I don’t have much of a [pre-Fashion Week] routine, but I do try to get my hair cut and colored. I’ve been going to Stephen for over 20 years. I adore him. I won’t let anybody else cut my hair. He’s masterful.”
9. Peter Luger, 178 Broadway, near Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn
“For the past 15 years, a group of us called ‘The Power Girls and the Guys Who Love Them’ have been going for dinner. Me, Cynthia Lewis, who is a VP at Du Jour magazine, Jane Hudis, [global brand] president of Estée Lauder. Scott Bromley’s joined us now, and [menswear designer] Jeffrey Banks. We always have margaritas. Then we always start with tomato and onion salad and an extra bowl of blue cheese on the side. We have bacon. And then two to three porterhouses for the 10 of us. Dessert is always hot fudge sundaes and pecan pie. We make a huge ruckus and have a ball. It should be a reality show.”
HOW TO SURVIVE FASHION WEEK LIKE A PRO
* “Everyone wants to wear fall, but it’s still very hot. Make your summer clothes that you’ve worn to death already fresh and new by planning out every day’s wardrobe the night before.”
* “Pull out your most comfortable shoes because you’ll be wearing them for a really long time and do a lot of walking from the tents.”
* “Carry a bottle of water with you at all times.”
* “Pack a few snacks, like PowerBars, or take advantage of the free snacks that are put out. It’s amazing how few actual meals you get to eat.”