Margaret Hayes, the president and chief executive officer of Fashion Group International, passed away on Thursday at her home in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was 79 years old. The cause of death was complications due to breast cancer, which she had battled for several years. Hayes was a tireless champion of young designers and a respected leader in the fashion industry. In this article, we will pay tribute to her remarkable life and career, and highlight some of her achievements and contributions to the world of fashion.
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Early Life and Education
Hayes was born in New York City on June 12, 1944. She attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, where she developed a passion for fashion and art. She graduated from Manhattanville College in 1966 with a degree in English literature. She then pursued a master’s degree in journalism at Columbia University, where she honed her writing and editing skills.
Career in Fashion Journalism
Hayes began her career as a fashion journalist at Fairchild Publications, where she worked for 15 years. She started as a reporter for Women’s Wear Daily, covering the European fashion scene. She then became the editor-in-chief of Sportswear International, a trade magazine that focused on denim and casual wear. She also launched W Europe, a sister publication of W magazine, and served as its editor-in-chief.
Hayes joined Fashion Group International in 1994 as its president and chief executive officer. Fashion Group International is a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of fashion professionals through networking, education, and philanthropy. Hayes transformed the organization into a global network of more than 6,000 members in 31 chapters around the world. She also expanded its programs and events, such as the annual Night of Stars gala, the Rising Star Awards, and the Fashion Symposium.
Support for Young Designers
One of Hayes’ most notable achievements was her support for young and emerging designers. She mentored and nurtured many talents, such as Zac Posen, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, and Alexander Wang. She also helped them gain exposure and recognition through Fashion Group International’s platforms and partnerships. She was instrumental in launching the Fashion Incubator program in New York City, which provides studio space, business guidance, and media exposure to selected designers.
Hayes was also a champion of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. She advocated for more representation of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities in fashion design, media, and business. She supported initiatives such as Harlem’s Fashion Row, which celebrates and empowers black designers and stylists.
Awards and Honors
Hayes received numerous awards and honors for her work in fashion journalism and leadership. She was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in New York by Crain’s New York Business in 2009. She was also honored with the Eleanor Lambert Award by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2014. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the promotion of American fashion.
Hayes was also involved in various charitable causes, such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and Save the Children. She served on the boards of several organizations, such as Parsons School of Design, LIM College, FIT Foundation, and God’s Love We Deliver.
Legacy and Impact
Margaret Hayes leaves behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and generosity in the fashion industry. She was a visionary leader who inspired and supported countless fashion professionals around the world. She was also a beloved friend, mentor, colleague, and mother to many. She is survived by her husband Robert D’Loren, her son Christopher Hayes Swope, her daughter-in-law Jennifer Swope, her grandchildren Margaret and William Swope, her stepchildren Zachary D’Loren and Nicole D’Loren Rechler, her step-grandchildren Dylan Rechler and Blake Rechler.
Hayes will be remembered as a fashion icon who made a lasting impact on the world of fashion. According to WWD, she once said: “Fashion is not frivolous; it is part of being alive today.”
