Oh i'm so sad I missed this! Damn you Monty Python-athon. My dad's entire family made their living in the garmet district in New York. We wouldn't be where we are today without it. I'm sad that it's not providing the same opportunities to achieve the American Dream for today's immigrants anymore. #schmattafromragstorichestorags
If you live in NY, WATCH this. Fantastic history lesson of the area and industry.
The 1911 Shirtwaist fire, and the one in India were unbelievable. #schmattafromragstorichestorags
Is it possible for the garment industry to benefit from the Buy Local campaign thats aided farmers and microbrewers? Or is it just too far gone to ever come back? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
@phantom lady: It seems without corporate support, it's simply too hard (at least for most of those already left unemployed) given the formerly-vast scale. But I hope I am wrong...and small steps always help, yes? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
@Sadie: this might be a little off topic, but a friend of mine recommended a book about garments and how to know what to look for so you are getting a well made article of clothing ( and its not often designer lables that are well made). I don't remember the name of the book, do you have any guesses? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
@phantom lady: Well, it’s been brought up in some circles that sports starts who lend their name to brand-name items should instead invest in creating a local factory to create their gear. I remember talk of that when Stephon Marbury released the Starbury.
FWIW, in the outer boroughs there are still garment factories and sadly sweatshops. You can still spot some in Gowanus and even Sunset Park.
And it kind of warped my mind when I walked past the location where one of the sweatshops my mom worked in was located and saw sewing and knitting classes offered nearby.
I think the garment biz can bounce back locally if an effort is made. I mean, what are the folks at all of the crafts fairs and other such events selling other than boutique piece-goods? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
This doc hits super close to home as I have a family member who's been working in the garment industry in NYC since the 90's and has been laid off 4 or 5 times throughout her career due to it's gradual disappearance.
Now she and ex-coworkers of hers are stuck without a job because there isn't anything out there to replace their old jobs.
@andheartss haz it: Oh, my God, yes. I'm currently working as an administrative assistant after 10 years as a textile designer and several lay-offs. The 25-year old coworker who likes to refer to me as her "assistant" and thinks of herself as "management level" because of it is just the icing on the urinal cake that is my career. #schmattafromragstorichestorags
@Highsmith: Thanks. After being burned by Corporate America, I now think the only way I'll be happy IS to start my own thing, but haven't figured out what that is yet.
At least I know I'm not alone, right? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
@BornYesterday: jobs jobs jobs jobs. is it impossible to start a label and make it in nyc with all the available talent and sell it at a reasonable price and have a good life? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
I love this. It's fun and freaky and totally over the top. It's all very tactile - I want to touch everything. Sure, I doubt I'll see any of these looks on the street, but they are lots of fun here.
I invite all of you to come to Detroit for Hair Wars next month. The crazy-ass styles in that show (in any Detroit hair show, really) would put Charlie to shame.
Sputnik_Sweetheart promoted this comment
Edited by AboutToLaugh is longwinded at 09/20/09 6:22 PM
AboutToLaugh is longwinded was starred
AboutToLaugh is longwinded was unstarred
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The 1911 Shirtwaist fire, and the one in India were unbelievable. #schmattafromragstorichestorags
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FWIW, in the outer boroughs there are still garment factories and sadly sweatshops. You can still spot some in Gowanus and even Sunset Park.
And it kind of warped my mind when I walked past the location where one of the sweatshops my mom worked in was located and saw sewing and knitting classes offered nearby.
I think the garment biz can bounce back locally if an effort is made. I mean, what are the folks at all of the crafts fairs and other such events selling other than boutique piece-goods? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
10/20/09
Now she and ex-coworkers of hers are stuck without a job because there isn't anything out there to replace their old jobs.
It's frustrating to see 40 and 50 something's with so much skill and no where to apply it. #schmattafromragstorichestorags
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At least I know I'm not alone, right? #schmattafromragstorichestorags
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I invite all of you to come to Detroit for Hair Wars next month. The crazy-ass styles in that show (in any Detroit hair show, really) would put Charlie to shame.
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/sarcasm.
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@anovacat: Not only did he do it last year...he did it better.
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