Mal Sirrah: Restoring Dignity, Honor and Pride to the Art and Business of Fashion Design

New York, NY, October 17, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Firstly, let me say that we at the Mal Sirrah Collection are extremely flattered by all of the attention and requests that we have received lately from the many fashion stylists, wardrobe/image consultants as well as personal shoppers acting on behalf of your high profile clients, musicians, celebrities, and especially Young Hollywood. Many of you newcomers, as well as a few industry veterans, may not be familiar with the history of Mal Sirrah / Malcolm Harris nor with my personal journey in, out of, and back into fashion. Therefore, I truly feel that it is my obligation to make sure that we all get off on the right foot.

The one great thing about taking a much needed hiatus from fashion is that one is afforded the opportunity to view our wonderful and magical business / industry from an extremely objective and removed point of view. My own self-imposed hiatus lasted for approximately five years, and during this time, I was able to dissect each nuance, analyze its composition, and then reconstruct my own little DNA chart, if you will, back into my chosen profession. However, my return to fashion will also mark a few fundamental changes, especially where it concerns the way I intend to conduct business...

One element of the fashion industry/business that I have always found troublesome is the practice of highly trained, seasoned and respected designers bartering/pandering their services, products and image for mere publicity. Don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to or above seeing my name in print or receiving the occasional “shout out” from the red carpet, but what I am opposed to, or more so questioning, is whether the trade off is worth it... And the answer is a simple - NO!!! (If you don’t believe me, then ask Badgley Mischka) If I had a thousand... no let’s say $3000 dollars for every time I heard a stylist or publicist say to me, “But don’t forget she is going to be seen everywhere in this dress,” I would be an extremely wealthy and content man. Therefore, as wealth and contentment are two of my top five goals, I would feel remiss if I did not attempt to personally put an end to this archaic and simply imprudent industry practice. Therefore, so as to avoid any future confusion, I would like to declare the following: From this day forth, Mal Sirrah, Inc. will no longer provide wardrobe to celebrities, socialites, high profile personage and/or mistresses for free, trade nor “publicity.” We will operate solely on a fee for service basis. A standard business practice that I am told is enjoyed by most thriving industries around the world. I truly feel that the time has come to restore dignity, honor and pride to the art and business of fashion design. I therefore call on my fellow designers to pick up their scissors, measuring tapes, and chiffon in a show of solidarity, and repeat after me... No Cashing, No Fashion...

As we draw nearer to the oh-so important awards season, holiday specials, premieres and guest appearances, we at Mal Sirrah, Inc. truly hope that our many industry supporters will continue to consider us when making wardrobe decisions for your high profile as well as highly paid clients. In return, we can assure you of two things: your client will own an exquisitely made-to-order Mal Sirrah evening gown, dress or suit and, your client - - - will pay... Therefore, we request that when visiting our showroom on your next appointment, you bring along your checkbook (business or personal w/two forms of I.D. “smile”), credit card, debit card, or in those rare instances, cash, but be on notice, you will pay... No Cashing, No Fashion...

Thanking you in advance for your consideration and cooperation.

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