Ruth Finley: The Force Behind Fashion Week
While everyone is scrambling to find the perfect outfit, shoes, and accessories for Fashion Week 2015; we got an exclusive interview with the very Moxy woman behind keeping the shows organized.
Ruth Finley is the secret weapon behind the creation of the famous calendar that secures around 350 spots for Fashion Shows each year. Without her, Fashion Week would be a complete and utter mess!
While in college, Ruth’s parents’ friends (editors) complained that Saks and Bergdorf Goodman scheduled shows for the same day and time during Fashion Week. This gave Ruth the idea to start a business that would serve as a clearinghouse for important Fashion Show dates.
Many decades later Ruth has 3 sons, 10 grandchildren, and a 10 month old great grandson in addition to a very successful business. Because of this woman, bloggers, designers, buyers, and editors have a way to plan their route. This year, Ruth plans to attend about 20 shows including Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs. She’s excited to see that more and more shows are starting closer to their scheduled times; something that didn’t always happen in the past.
Ruth Finley
FUN FACT! Marc Jacobs once kept editors and buyers waiting 2 hours before starting his runway show. There was such a fuss made about it that he is now the only designer to start promptly on the hour.
Ruth’s advice for working mothers: Arrange working hours so that there is quality time available for the family and involvement with children’s school activities.
Advice to young designers: Find a good business manager.
What’s next for Ruth? There’s a documentary being made about her and she’s starting her autobiography in the spring. We will definitely be getting our hands on both!
Check out this amazing tribute to Ruth by the CFDA who has since acquired her Fashion Calendar after 65 years. The CFDA and the Fashion Calendar aligned forces to debut NYFWList, an app designed to streamline the scheduling process.
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