Fern Mallis Steps Down From IMG

by Ruthie Friedlander | 4:57 pm, April 28th, 2010

Fern Mallis’ name has been synonymous with IMG for the past nine years, and that’s in addition to being known as the unofficial woman behind all of New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for almost two decades. But apparently Mallis is ready for a change, and it comes as no surprise it is in conjunction with New York Fashion Week’s move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center.

Mallis has stepped down from her role as senior vice president at IMG Worldwide Inc. effective tomorrow, and will be promptly starting up Fern Mallis LLC, her own consulting firm. And for those of you who fear how Fashion Week will fair sans Fern, rest assured — apparently IMG Fashion is Mallis’ first client. The company that runs the tents does not plan on doing the first of the Lincoln Center shows without her.

WWD reports:

Mallis told WWD the wheels for this change had been put in motion even before last February’s fashion week. “It’s something I have been thinking about for a while,” said Mallis. “It seems like there is a lot opportunity. When we were planning the move to Lincoln Center, it felt like closure, like the end of the cycle. It’s time for a new adventure.”

Further details of what Mallis intends to do at her consulting firm remain to be determined, but we are certain her departure from IMG does not end her reign in the fashion industry. She is simply inheriting a new throne, this time,in her own kingdom.