Leading Ladies of Fashion

One such leading lady is well-known fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (DVF), who was elected president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006. With a $30,000 investment, DVF started her legacy in 1970. By 1973, she was well-known for creating the "wrap dress," a revolutionary piece of clothing that is now on display at the Costume Institute area of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After establishing several successful businesses over the years, such as a publishing company, cosmetic line, design and marketing studio, and home-shopping business, DVF has developed a line of luxury clothing for women and was also given the Award of Excellence by The International Center in New York. DVF is unquestionably a prominent lady in the fashion world with such a lengthy and impressive career.

There are people who believe that Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, has the authority to make or break designers, which is a huge responsibility in the fashion industry. Despite the fact that Vogue is the most prestigious and widely read fashion magazine, Wintour has opted to utilize her influence for good and has helped the magazine reach a wider audience by offering runway advice and helping up-and-coming designers. Wintour, who has led numerous initiatives to support charities and create jobs, adds, "I have always believed that it is crucial to view Vogue's goal in broad and socially responsible terms." She's been selected as one of these people because she plans to use her power for the good of others.

Linda Wells, the Editor-in-Chief of Allure, is a prominent woman in the world of fashion publications. While most fashion publications focus on cutting-edge runway looks and cosmetic advice, this powerful editor from Greenwich addresses the pressing concerns that women in this day and age face. According to Wells, "We were the first women's magazine to ever write about the dangers of breast implants." "We published the first article about heroin addict models." With this ground-breaking strategy for a women's fashion publication, Allure's readership has skyrocketed to award-winning status within the advertising and publishing industries. Her leading woman status is not at all surprising given her outstanding work history, which includes (to mention a few) editorial assistant at Vogue, beauty editor for The New York Times Magazine, and guest appearances on Oprah and "Entertainment Tonight."

As editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, our next leading lady of fashion has earned a reputation for being innovative and one-of-a-kind in her understanding of fashion. After serving as the founding editor for the British Marie Claire for eight years in 1988, the renowned Glenda Bailey also served as the editor of Marie Claire's U.S. edition in 1996, and she elevated the publication to the point where it was named one of Adweek's Top 10 Hottest Magazines four times in a row. Bailey graduated with a degree in fashion design from Kingston University in England. She has also won five times for Magazine of the Year, three times for Magazine Editor of the Year, and two times for Amnesty International Awards.

Fern Mallis, Senior VP of New York's IMG Fashion, one of the top fashion event planners, is the final but by no means least of our prominent ladies of fashion. She has gained notoriety for having held the role of Executive Director for the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1993 and for being the mastermind of the first "Fashion Week," which was then known as 7th on Sixth. Such multi-million dollar events like the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York are in the capable hands of this high-powered fashion trend setter with her ability to organize 80 temperamental top designers, her nice and calm manner, and her skill to handle the paparazzi. Our wonderful leading lady Fern Mallis may be proud of this multi-million dollar spectacular because Fashion Week in New York is a milestone in the fashion industry.