Book Talk: Stan Herman in Conversation With Fern Mallis

Stan Herman, author of the widely acclaimed memoir “Uncross Your Legs: A Life in Fashion,” will be at Guild Hall on Sunday, September 22, at 2 p.m. for a thoughtful, engaging and fun-filled conversation with longtime friend and fellow fashion icon Fern Mallis.

On any given day, more people will be “wearing” Stan Herman than any other American fashion designer. Having recently celebrated his 96th birthday, he is the most acclaimed uniform designer of our time — and that’s just part of his remarkable, well-lived and well-loved life. Herman reflects on his background as a Brooklyn born, Passaic, New Jersey-raised young man, his Army service in Europe during the Korean War and his burgeoning fashion career a young freelance designer in the fashion hothouse of the Garment District. Later, he served for 16 years as head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, where he was instrumental in bringing New York Fashion Week to Bryant Park — all the while continuing his thriving corporate uniform and, popular leisurewear design businesses.

The book is also a deeply moving and insightful memoir following personal triumphs and tragedies, including his nearly 40-year relationship with novelist Gene Horowitz, who tragically suffered a heart attack and passed away in 1992. Together they lived their lives in the shadow of the AIDS crisis that decimated their personal and professional worlds. They also shared a beloved poodle named “Mozart,” who helped fill the void when Herman found himself suddenly alone. Herman writes with good humor and direct compassion, recalling the cruel and casual racism he witnessed in the military, his focus on animal rights within the fashion industry — as well as encountering the indignities and joys of his nearly 10 decades. Learn the history of the man whose vision has dramatically helped forge and transform American style and fashion.

Tickets are $26.50 to $29 at guildhall.org. Following the event, copies of “Uncross Your Legs: A Life in Fashion” will be available for purchase and signing ($70 plus tax). This program will take place in Guild Hall’s Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater. Guild Hall is at 158 Main Street in East Hampton.