School of Fashion Hall of Fame
Since 1989, this prestigious award celebrates the outstanding contribution to fashion made by an individual. The accolade honors the unique qualities of their leadership. It champions the aspiration and inspiration they and their business of fashion offer the next generation of fashion graduates at Kent State.
2026 Hall of Fame Inductee: Fern Mallis
Fern Mallis, the award‑winning creator of New York Fashion Week, is widely regarded as the “godmother of fashion” for the transformative leadership she brought to the industry through her roles at the Council of Fashion Designers of America and IMG Fashion. After two decades shaping the future of American fashion, she now leads her own international consulting firm, continuing to influence designers, brands and cultural institutions.
For the past 15 years, Mallis has also been the host of "Fashion Icons With Fern Mallis" at 92NY, the acclaimed and consistently sold‑out series featuring in‑depth conversations with many of the industry’s most celebrated figures. Her work in this space has led to two companion books published by Rizzoli, which document these influential interviews and further cement her reputation as one of fashion’s most trusted voices.
A dedicated advocate for emerging talent, Mallis has advised regional fashion weeks across the country and continues to mentor the next generation of designers. Her career is marked by numerous prestigious honors—from lifetime achievement awards to industry hall‑of‑fame recognition—reflecting her enduring impact on global fashion, philanthropy and innovation.