Jill Fairchild dies at 94

Jill Fairchild, an author, filmmaker, and fashion observer, died last month at the of age 94. She was the wife of John Fairchild, WWD’s legendary editorial director and publisher.

Jill made many contributions to the fashion industry in her unique way, quietly encouraging, advising, and suggesting story ideas for WWD, through her husband.

She was born in England and went to boarding school there before living in Rio. The first time she’d ever visited America was to start at Vassar in New York, while John attended Princeton.

They first met in Paris, wed in 1950 and shortly after moved to Detroit. But in just a year, they were back in New York and John was working in the family company, Fairchild Publications, as a reporter for WWD.

The couple had four children, and are survived by them all: John, of Easthampton, N.Y.; James, of Naples, Fla.; Stephen, creative director of jewelry brand Pandora who resides in Brussels, and Jill, founder of accessories brand Fairchild Baldwin who resides in New York, as well as eight grandchildren.

Through her career, Jill wrote many books, most of which carried her photographs, a passion of hers. Jill also had an appreciation for art, music and more.

A private funeral service is being planned. The family has asked that contributions in her memory be made to Doctors Without Borders, according to WWD.

Jill Fairchild dies at 94

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