Fern Mallis: My New York

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.’ ”