Ruth Finley
Ruth Finley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Haverhill, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 25, 2018 (aged 98) |
| Occupation(s) | Publisher, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of the Fashion Calendar |
Ruth Finley (January 14, 1920 – August 25, 2018) was a pioneering figure in the American fashion sector, recognized as a publisher and entrepreneur who developed the Fashion Calendar, a centralized scheduling resource for coordinating fashion-related events in New York City and beyond. Across a career spanning seven decades, Finley played a pivotal role in shaping the organizational framework of the U.S. fashion scene, garnering the informal epithet “godmother of New York Fashion Week.”
Early life, education and background
Originating from Haverhill, Massachusetts, Finley showed an early passion for journalism and communication fields. Encouraged by her father, she embarked on a professional path during an era when women faced limited career prospects. After completing her studies at Simmons College in 1941, she relocated to New York City to begin her vocation. Her early work included positions at Lord & Taylor and as a journalist for the New York Herald Tribune, followed by her role as assistant to fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert. During this period, she noticed the disorganized nature of scheduling for fashion shows and press gatherings, which revealed a significant need within the industry.
A key turning point occurred when she spoke with two fashion editors who expressed frustration over overlapping shows at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. This conversation motivated Finley to develop a unified system to streamline event coordination.
Innovation and contributions
In 1945, armed with a $1,000 loan from a college acquaintance, Finley introduced the Fashion Calendar, a weekly publication detailing all fashion and beauty-related events in New York City, including social functions and store openings. Printed on eye-catching pink paper with a red cover, it was designed to be easily noticeable among cluttered desks. Committed to neutrality, Finley declined any advertising opportunities.
Operating from a modest office with limited personnel, she managed the calendar manually using Rolodexes and index cards. Despite advances in technology and expansion within the industry, she resisted moving to digital formats until it became unavoidable. Her careful planning helped reduce scheduling conflicts, which was especially important for emerging designers seeking to avoid clashes with established figures such as Bill Blass.
Over more than seventy years, the Fashion Calendar earned its reputation as the definitive guide for New York Fashion Week. After designer Norman Norell adjusted his show date to prevent overlap, he began coordinating directly with Finley for scheduling. As the sole manager for nearly seven decades, she became an indispensable presence in the industry; Diane von Furstenberg referred to her as “everyone’s first call” regarding fashion shows and hailed her as “a cornerstone of the industry.”
Career and personal life
In addition to overseeing the Fashion Calendar, Finley was deeply involved in charitable and professional activities. She held a board position at Citymeals-on-Wheels and led its Fashion and Beauty Industry Salute fundraiser, which generated over $2 million to support New York’s homebound elderly population. Her philanthropic efforts also extended to organizations such as the Lighthouse for the Blind, Bottomless Closet, and Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.
Widowed at age 39, Finley raised three sons—Joe, Jim, and Larry—and was grandmother to ten grandchildren. Her composed leadership style and generosity earned her widespread admiration throughout the fashion community.
Legacy / The Fashion Calendar Today
In 2014, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) took ownership of the Fashion Calendar, highlighting its vital function in orchestrating fashion events as Finley retired at the age of 95. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb pledged to maintain and advance her legacy, with Finley remaining involved in an advisory capacity.
Her influence was prominently featured in the 2020 documentary Calendar Girl, which included conversations with prominent designers like Carolina Herrera and Thom Browne, alongside legendary photographer Bill Cunningham.
To preserve this heritage, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Library secured the entire 69-year collection of the Fashion Calendar. Archivist David Benjamin emphasized its exceptional historical significance and durability compared to digital archives.
Honors
Finley received a variety of prestigious awards, among them the 2014 CFDA Board of Directors Tribute Award, honored with a dedicated film by Joe Sabia.
Following her passing in 2018 at 98 years old, the fashion community recognized her as “the godmother of New York Fashion Week,” acknowledging her profound impact on organizing fashion seasons.
Notable distinctions include:
- 2016: Lifetime Achievement Award from the President of the Fashion Institute of Technology
- 2014: CFDA Board of Directors Tribute Award
- 2010: Medal of Honor from the National Arts Club
- 2008: Lifetime Achievement Award from the High School of Fashion Industries