Fashion District History Walking Tour
Over the years I have entertained and instructed many groups of fashion interested adults and students from organizations and schools across the USA and Canada.
The tour that I will do is about 2 hours in duration and contains most of the following:
1. The history of the apparel industry in NYC from Henry Hudson to the present and a forecast into the future.
2. Some significant events in the evolution of the industry: Mass Production, The sewing machine, the development of ‘sizes’, the invention of synthetic fibers and the impact there of, The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and the evolution of “Fashion”. How the garment center of today arrived at its current location.
3. The immigrant labor force that has driven the apparel industry from its beginning, and how it has changed yet stayed the same over the years.
4. During the course of the tour we will make visits to most of the following locations depending on availability:
a. A showroom, where I may be able to get an intern to explain how (s)he got the job, what is required on the job and what their goals are. Perhaps a sample sale as well.
b. A factory where garments are spread and cut prior to sewing.
c. A visit to some meaningful garment center artwork.
d. Visit the location where Calvin, Donna Ralph and Oscar have their workspace.
e. A visit to Mood Fabrics, familiar to a"Project Runway” fans.
f. A walk through the historic streets of the fashion district.
g. The Fashion Walk of Fame
h. And much more.
I myself, have spent over 35 years in the industry in many different capacities and am able to relay interesting anecdotes that I have witnessed first hand, such as the evolution of Children’s Flammable Sleepwear & how garments are designed costed produced, marketed, financed and more.
Dates: 10/10/11 (Columbus Day) and 11/11/11 (Veterans Day)
Time: 10:00 AM sharp
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
Location: 1411 Broadway; NW corner of W39th St.
Directions: 3 blocks South of Times Square subways
Fee: $20 per person “Taka metsiah!!!” (Such a deal!)
PLEASE TELEPHONE MIKE OR SEND AN E-MAIL TO CONFIRM!
Email: mikesnyctours@yahoo.com
Telephone:(212) 370-4214