Concurrent Sessions

The New York Dress Institute: A Collaboration Between Unions and Manufacturers

---

Abstract

Before 1940, apparel manufacturers showed new lines only to store buyers, fearing that press coverage would open the possibility of stealing designs. When World War II silenced Paris' design leadership, the New York fashion industry reorganized its promotional efforts and held the first public fashion shows in September 1940. The New York garment unions wanted more to be done because other U.S. cities were challenging New York's dominance in manufacturing. In an effort to preserve jobs and profits, the garment unions and manufacturers formed a unique collaboration that launched the New York Dress Institute and Press Weeks.

How to Cite:

Buckland, S. S., (1998) “The New York Dress Institute: A Collaboration Between Unions and Manufacturers”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 1999(1).