fashion week.

“Clover Canyon is made in California, and always will be.”

Fashion week.

The (sartorial) world lives and breathes fashion week. It comes in like an avalanche a few times a year, causing never-ending FOMO and an acute case of seasonal confusion.

But we love it. Fashion Week (#MBFW #NYFW, if you will) has become as much of a spectacle as the clothes themselves – and it’s amazing. I’m always amazed that the shows go on with minimal interruption, each and every year.

“Part of THE ROW’s mission is to support high-end fashion manufacturing in the US.”

I have ample experience creating product lines, but the majority have been with huge scale and resources behind my team. Creating a highly innovative line without that? It’s incredibly difficult… as any casual Project Runway viewer can attest.

Sampling and producing clothing is a complex process, it takes not only a huge amount of work and skill, but it also takes infrastructure – people trained in the techniques needed to create the garments and machines readily available to produce the product.

“Nanette Lepore is an advocate for Save the Garment Center and Made in NYC. Making it in America ensures that the fashion industry will continue to thrive in this country for years to come”

This infrastructure used to exist… and likely led to our favorite American designers (Oscar! Diane! Marc!) becoming who they are now… At one point, 95% of clothes sold in America were made here, and these designers and makers made New York City and the Garment District into the pinnacle of the fashion world that we know today.

“Core to HONOR’s mission is a dedication to bringing industry back to Manhattan’s historic garment district, respect for the art of garment making, and fair treatment of the skilled artisans who create them. HONOR garments are developed and produced exclusively in New York City.”

However, today, less than 3% of the apparel that is sold in the United States is made here. At what point does this infrastructure cease to exist?

When that happens, what will happen to our beloved fashion week? What will happen to American fashion and innovation in general? Supporting American-made labels has economic benefit, yes, but more importantly, when you support these labels, you are investing in the future of fashion. You are setting the stage for the next Diane/Marc/Oscar to take his or her rightful place. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Featured – some of my favorite shows from designers who make it a point to produce domestically.

for more – see Made in Midtown & Save the Garment Center. Images via WWD.