Fashion Center Walking Tour

Yesterday, I took advantage of the beautiful weather in New York and took a walking tour of the Fashion/Garment District hosted by Mike's Tours NYC.

We started at the corner of 39th and 7th which is the heart of the district...across the street from the famed Parsons The New School (made even more famous by Project Runway). We walked the Fashion Walk of Fame, which was started by the Business Improvement District as a way to recognize designers.

Here's where I won my prize, at Diane von Furstenberg's spot on the Walk of Fame. It was, according to Mike, a "one-of-a-kind" tape measure from the Fashion District. Mike gave us an opportunity to guess the answer before the question was even asked. And of course my answer was "Wrap Dress"...which was the correct answer. DVF is known for making the wrap dress a must-have clothing item for women in the early 1970's through today.  (Hello leopard flats and mint green jeans!)

The Fashion/Garment District used to be the Theater District, so a lot of the buildings where clothing manufacturers and designers house their offices and showrooms were formerly theaters. At 1407 Broadway there's a "Gallery of Distingushed Designers". As Mike pointed out, most of these sculptures may not look like the person they are supposed to be. He was right...does this look like Marc Jacobs to you?? Nevertheless, an interesting thing to see in the lobby of an office building.

Mike, having worked in the Garment District for over 40 years, was very knowledgable about the history and was full of ancedotes. Mike does tours throughout the week as well. The best part is that this tour is FREE! Thanks Mike!