Fashion Societé | About Us

About the Founder

One typical early morning in 5th grade, Cathy Berger couldn’t get her outfit perfect–a few pairs of shoes to try on and the choice was daunting. After a three block walk to music class and dropping her cello’s bow she gasped: she went to school with two different shoes on! From early on Cathy’s attention to fashion was clear, and finding efficient ways to do things—including getting dressed in the morning- became an eternal goal.

After earning a B.A. and M.B.A. in Business Administration, Cathy basked in the boredom of the lackluster finance world, all the while cultivating her vision of a fashion playground filled with relevant, practical, fun-filled classes where women can develop their unique image and fashion style --finally merging her fashion fixation with her desire for effiency.

Ultimately, when you learn how to make your image fabulous and can build a wardrobe around that, getting dressed for 5th grade or any occasion becomes a pleasure, not a chore. Voilà!

About The Team

	Terri Murray is a working model in New York City who signed with FORD Models seven years ago and currently is with the prestigious Model Service Agency where she also trains new models. She is nationally recognized as an lingerie/ intimate apparel expert, and has a personal passion for the plus size woman. Ms. Murray served as Regional Director of FGI (Fashion Group International) and is the Immediate Past President of AICI New York Tri-State Chapter (Association of Image Consultants International). Terri works backstage during Fashion Week for Vera Wang, Charles Nolan, Vivian Westwood, Betsey Johnson, Isaac Mizrahi and at benefits such as Go Red at the Red Dress Event. She has styled Rachael Ray, Felice Rashad, Mary Hart, Joan Collins, Miss Universe, Billy Jean King, and America's Top Model Jaslene. Terri will soon be featured in a book "Plus Size Models Who Defy Convention" by Everetta Days which is to be released in Fall 2010.
	John Mahdessian serves as President of Madame Paulette since he took over his father’s business in 1988 at the age of 22. He transformed Madame Paulette into an internationally renowned leader of cleaning, restoring and preserving of fine couture apparel, bridal gowns, vintage creations and interior furnishings. John is a member of the Fashion Guild International, Costume of Society of America, Council of Fashion Designers of America, and serves as Chairman of the Board for Fashion Donations. Mr. Mahdessian received a B.S. from Villanova University.
	Jim Pilger's expertise in speaking and educating industry professionals has been developed all along the east coast. He is widely respected for his highly trained eye, which has helped literally thousands transform their look into a new image loaded with fresh confidence and style.
	Adam W. Mauer MD LAc, is owner of LaseRx Medical Aesthetic Center and a board certified medical doctor who specializes in minimally invasive interventional procedures. He is a specialist in the fields of both aesthetics and pain management, is an avid medical researcher, and first became involved in the medical use of Botulinum Toxin type A in 2003. He has subsequently successfully treated many patients for pain conditions, spasticity and overactive muscle activity and performed several hundred cosmetic Botox injections. His patients include professional athletes, models, in addition to less famous men and women. He has developed a consistent, effective, and safe injection technique that provides optimal anti-aging effects with subtle artistic results. Dr. Mauer remains on the forefront of neurotoxin developments and is a regarded as a leader in the fields of cosmetic and therapeutic botulinum toxin injection.
	Jacqueline Peros is the current President of the AICI New York Tri-State Chapter (Association of Image Consultants). Her expertise lies in empowering individuals to present their best self in their professional and personal endeavors through wardrobe and image development, business etiquette, and communication skills training. Jacqueline's impressive background includes working as a marketing executive in the technology sector, and developing branding strategies for services, products and individuals. She is the Founder of JMP Image & Style, LLC.
	Richard Christopher is a quintessential vintage clothing designer who began his career by designing for the powerhouse Neiman Marcus. His instant success there caused him to form his own company in 1998, designing and selling to Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman’s. Along the way he developed a private clientele who appreciate his immaculate attention to detail which is his current hallmark with vintage. He proudly owns Retro Now in picturesque Sea Cliff, Long Island.
	David Derex, M. Photog.Cr., AFP, CPP is a glamour photographer who has worked with celebrities, sports figures, business icons, and professional models since 1971. Besides being an exhibited artist, he is a respected lecturer, publisher of two books, and contributes to Vogue and many other publications. His forté is creating world class photographic and painted portraits of individuals & families. He is the current President of the Professional Photography Association of New Jersey (PPANJ).
	Carol Davidson, AICI, CIP is one of only 25 Certified Image Professionals (CIP) in New York. Her consulting business, Styleworks of Union Square, is one of the most sought after in the tri-state area and going strong since its inception in 1999. Besides working with private and corporate clients, she is a highly respected educator at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and a volunteer for Dress For Success and Gilda's Club NYC. She is a Past President of the New York Tri-State chapter of the AICI.
	Natalie Nelson has been professionally editing, re-working wardrobes and shopping for clients during the past 3 years. A certified Image Consultant, Natalie is the founder of Creative Edge Image. She volunteers her time to Bottomless Closet and attends many of Fashion Group International's (FGI's) functions in order to stay attuned to trend forecasts.