The findings of this study are now on display at Port Authority Bus Terminal on 34th Street and 8th Avenue. Locally produced garments and diagrams of the manufacturing process from concept to creation are available to the public. The goal is to remind people how important the industry is to local economy and plan for its future.

“The entrepreneurial spirit that happens in New York, that’s a real edge for New York,” says Patrick Murphy of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. “And the importance is, how do we make sure that they have the support and the resources they need to become successful, to become the next Calvin Klein, to become the next Ralph Lauren? And that’s something we are very committed to doing.”

There are plans in the works to further spotlight the Garment District which are said to include panel discussions and walking tours. Perhaps the Parisian garment workers who are also finding their work more frequently outsourced can take notes. To learn more about the importance of fashion in New York visit Made in Midtown. {New York 1 News}

Historians and social commentators elaborate on the history of New York City’s Garment District in a documentary premiering on HBO Monday night.

The documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags (“schmatta,” by the way, is Yiddish for “rags”) traces the simultaneous growth of both the Garment District and the population of Jewish immigrants who helped make it what it is today.  In a time where “fashion” and “clothing” seem merely like mass-produced consumerist privileges far-removed from ourselves, it’s refreshing to remember that the fashion industry had humble beginnings, just like everyone else.

Read the full story {The Jerusalem Post}