New York’s Grimy Garment District

Daniel Vosovic, who started his own line in 2010, says producing within the U.S. gives him control over the entire process, even if it means working on the garments himself.
Daniel Vosovic, who started his own line in 2010, says producing within the U.S. gives him control over the entire process, even if it means working on the garments himself. (© Michael Katzif for NPR – Do not use or republish without prior consent.)

This is a series of photographs commissioned by NPR reporter Padmanda Rama for her radio story on All Things Considered that aired in early February about New York City’s “Garment District.” The piece focused on two burgeoning young designers — Daniel Vosovic and Ann Yee — frantically finishing their collections in time for Fashion Week in a few days. While both are different points in their careers, they both equally rely on the resources and proximity of services in this section of New York.

At the time, I had never shot fashion-related photos, been around designers’ factories and studios, let alone been in that weird area of Midtown Manhattan, not that far from the bright lights of Times Square area, but far more workmanlike and, well, grimy. But I think it was that newness that allowed me to capture some of the details of these locations with fresh eyes.

For the rest of the images, view out the gallery below; and to hear the stellar radio piece, check it out at NPR.org:

New York’s Grimy Garment District Hatches Designers’ Dreams