In 1987, New York City created the Special Garment Center District to keep designers and manufacturers together in the heart of Manhattan. Now, nearly four decades later, the same city commission that created this protection is trying to tear it down. On June 18th, the New York City Planning Commission voted to eliminate the special zoning and open the door to residential development in what remains the heart of New York's fashion capital.

Today, we're joined by Johnathan Hayden — a womenswear designer based in the Garment District — to share his story and discuss how the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) plan would impact his career and New York's entire fashion ecosystem. Proximity is fashion power. As Johnathan explains, “the Garment District is the only place in America where the distance between an idea and its execution is within walking distance.”

Is the MSMX plan really about affordable housing, or does it benefit luxury developers while leaving fashion as collateral damage alongside the arts, Lincoln Center and Broadway?

As the plan moves closer to a City Council vote, Johnathan shares concrete ways to save and support the Garment District in the days ahead. All links and resources are below.

Sign the petition to protect NYC's Garment District!

Visit the New York Fashion Workforce Development Coalition's site for more on the MSMX plan and fashion.

Connect with Johnathan Hayden on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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