Out and About - The Garment District, NYC

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening - Coco Chanel

Charlie and I had the chance to take a field trip to visit Andover's headquarters in the Garment District, a fitting address for a fabric manufacturing company. Nestled in the heart of the city from Fifth to Ninth Avenue, between 34th and 42nd Streets, the famed Garment District is synonymous with fashion. Housing major labels, designers, showrooms, manufacturers, and retailers of textiles and notions of all kinds, this area has been a melting pot of fashion on a stage that has captivated audiences all over the world for over 200 years. Walking along the streets, popping in and out of fabric shops, the creative energy is palpable. If Coco Chanel is right, fashion lives and breathes in the Garment District, NYC.

Naturally we couldn't resist a bit of windowshopping whilst in this mecca for modern fashionistas. First we stumbled in to NY Elegant Fabrics and found a treasure trove of textiles, semmingly every kind imaginable. 

Rolls upon rolls of canvas, linen, brocade, knit, rayon, polyester, voile, silk, spandex, and faux fur greet you when you walk into a material world. The color blocking offers a map to navigating the myriad aisles in this fabric maze. Organized chaos at its best.

Apparel fabrics of all kinds line the shelves in a rainbow of colors

On a wintry New York day, these faux furs looked very tempting!

Before temptation took hold of me and my pocket book, we ventured on to another staple, B&J Fabrics.

Charlie and I had a fun time browsing through their selection of quilting weight cottons.

But where their selection really shines is the sparkling array of ladies apparel weight goods.

Glittering sequins gather light and draw your eyes to these luxurious silk chiffons. I'm certain my sewing skills are not up to Project Runway status to attempt these pricy gems, much to Charlie's relief when he saw the price tag!

We had a gret time window shopping, and hope you enjoyed the tour. Stay tuned for some more fabric inspiration the next time we're out and about!

Comments

[Kelly Rodgers]

That is my idea of heaven!

[Robyn]

Oh - thank you so much for taking me away from my own little sewing cave and into the fantastic world of Fabric Heaven. I remember taking a similar blissful trip through the Paris fabric district a couple of years back. How can I possibly get back to reality after reading your wonderful post?

[Jan]

Thanks for the tour. When I stay in NYC, it's usually in the Garment District. Can you tell me where the statue is located?

[LeAnn]

Thanks for sharing the eye candy!! What a fun outing!

[Betty Ayers]

I, too, love this area of NYC - total eye candy and just fun to explore. BUT for now, I've fallen hard for that purse you're carrying in the photo - what is it, please??!! How gorgeous.

[Norma]

Thanks for all the eye candy!! Yummy! I gotta go there.

[Jane]

Thanks so much. My sister and I are heading to NY soon from Australia and now we know where to go to look at fabric. Any other suggestions of where to check out quilting shops in NY city?

[Casey]

Those were two of my favorite stores when I lived in NYC. Thanks for the trip back--hope you enjoyed them and the rest of the Fashion District!

[Cheryl Bouwens]

Wow! I may never get to NYC. Thank you for the quick snapshot! The last bunch of glittery fabrics took my breath away!

[Tara]

I have been there, and it is amazing! It can be a little intimidating too. It's much easier to breeze thru yout pretty website and place an order. And, then I get the fun of opening a box of beautiful fabric a few days later! Is that you with the long black coat? You are much younger than I would have thought. Congrats on your successful business!

[lysa flower]

Hey I was just there two weeks ago, when it was freezing cold! We stayed in the garment district as well, we didn't get to every fabric shop but it's definitely on our list for when we go back!

[Hawthorne Threads]

Thanks so much for the enthusiasm ladies, glad you enjoyed the tour! Jan, the statue is located on 7th Ave between 39th and 40th. Definitely worth a trip! Tara, thanks so much for your support! Yes, that's me and my husband Charlie in the photos, and Betty - the purse is by Michael Kors. It was a splurge after cashing in some credit card points!

Happy Sewing,
Lindsay

[Sherrell]

Is the garment district open to the public? Do the stores sell wholesale and retail? I was planning a trip to NYC and this just might be added as a must do.