For more than a century, New York City’s garment industry was its most important business driver — so important, in fact, that it was included in the original flag and seal of the City of New York. It’s time to explore the past, present, and future of NYC’s apparel industry and Garment District with a leader in the field.

Join New York Adventure Club as we follow the evolution of New York City’s fashion industry from its very humble beginnings on the island of Manhattan, to becoming a trendsetter on the global stage.

Led by NYC licensed guide and fashion expert Mike Kaback, who has worked in the garment industry for the past 50 years, this virtual exploration of NYC’s Garment District and fashion industry will include:

• The origin story of how New York City became the Fashion Capital of America, and even the world
• Important moments throughout NYC fashion history, from early labor unions, to organized crime, to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
• Why the entire industry relocate uptown to its current location in the 20th century — and why it might move once again in the 21st century
• The 101 on the garment lifecycle, from manufacturing raw fabrics to selling the final piece in retail stores
• Stories of Mike’s personal experience in the fashion industry

Stick around afterward for a Q&A with Mike — any and all questions about the Garment District are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

****If the event has already passed, but it’s been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website’s active replay section!

About Mike

Mike Kaback, a professional “GARMENTO”, having spent over 50 years in the Fashion industry, shares his take on the Schmatta Biz. His passion for New York, extensive knowledge of the apparel industry and his desire to inform and pass on his passion make this an informative and entertaining experience. This tour was developed over 20 years ago and keeps getting better as the Industry evolves in NYC.

Testimonials

“Great humor and energy amidst the details & the comprehensive scope. Fabulous!!” -Sharon

“Informative and the presenter was so full of life and enthusiastic about the topic” -Victoria

“Mike was super energetic and very knowledgeable about the subject. I loved the webinar!” -Barbara

“I liked Mikes’s enthusiasm and passion on the subject, with all the humorous sidelines.” -Ellen

“Very informative with interesting, fun stories. Host was terrific.” -Merrill

“So much wonderful information ..like being an “insider”!” -Pamela

“Very entertaining host. Good pace. Fun slides. Good integration of history” -Karin

“Mike’s knowledge base is impressive and his enthusiasm made for an entertaining hour.” -Amy

“Mike was fantastic and really made the industry come alive.” -Joanna

“Love love love this guy! love the personal stories. please have him back for other stuff in NYC. he is sooooo great. probably my favorite of all the people you have had. he’s so interesting.” -Noelle

“Michael was hilarious and so full of facts and stories and just great fun to listen to. I appreciate his maps as well is the accompanying history of how the rich lived in uptown and the garment District kept moving and the reaction of the rich and appreciate the attention rightfully paid to the government workers in the union. Thanks” -Sharon

“A unique take on the Garment Industry from an “insider” + reasons why NYC became the center of the garment trade” -Judith

“Great breakdown of the industry structure and history from an insider.” -John

“Presenter was lively, humorous, and knew his subject. Lots of great slides that took us on virtual tour of the District and its environs and illustrated what he was talking about otherwise.” -Patricia

“Mike is spectacular, the topic is meaty and fascinating, the graphics and pictures are terrific, the accent is authentic, the delivery is beautifully paced, the characters are appealing and believable, the City is neither overplayed nor underplayed, the class warfare is handled perfectly, need I say more?” -Peter

“The tour was from an insider’s perspective. I, too, am an insider. I enjoyed the stories so much… and your hard-core NY Accent!” -Lysa

“My wife Adela, a former designer 69 years ago, found this very interesting. It brought back many memories, and she was fascinated by the new technology of garment making.” -Lawrence

“Listening to Mike- loved his recollections- I have many close ties to NYC and have been to many places he discussed and showed plus love his accent! I did take a tour of the garment district some years back – I learned more today” -April

“My grandfather and father were in the garment trade (my father briefly), and I enjoyed hearing about it. The guide’s delivery was delightful, and I enjoyed his company.” -Beth

“Mike has a great personality and his personal experience in the industry made it so much more interesting…I had a had a small part in the industry working as a receptionist in a showroom and retail offices so this world is familiar but his extensive experience made it so much more interesting.” -Carol

“I liked his knowledge and his willingness to share.” -Judith

“OMG! This was the best! Mike is so engaging, entertaining, knowledgeable and hilarious. I learned so much. Not a boring second and I didn’t want it to end!” -Karen

“As a Family and Consumer Science major it gave me information that I have either forgotten or was never taught.” -Judy

“Interesting history brought to life by someone who actually lived i And worked in the garment district. Loved the commentator—so colorful and refreshing!” -Paulette

“It was well organized, loads of content and what’s not to like about Mike?!” -Prudence

“Everything. Mike was a superb raconteur! I was glued to my i pad. He is smart, funny and superbly knowledgeable ! It was one of the best online I have ever watched ! Please please hire him again. I would watch him read the phone book!” -Norma

“I liked Mike and his casual great presentation and vast knowledge!” -Julie

“I liked the knowledge and personality of presenter. Good visuals and commentary.” -Joan

“Interesting view of all eras of the history. Mike was great!!!” -Judith

“I liked Mikes illustrations and his knowledge of the history of the city, not only the Garment District.” -Andrea

“The presenter was charming and enthusiastic.” -Susan

“Mike was awesome! He was so engaging and funny. I could listen to his stories all day!” -Lindsay

“I liked Mike’s style and great information.” -Cindy

“The tour guide, Mike, was amazing!” -Grace

“Casual, informative, the host was entertaining and knowledgeable.” -Lisa

“NOT boring at all and full of great info–history and current.” -Debra

“The host’s knowledge of the topic and how well organized he was.” -Sharon

“Mike! Could listen to his recollections all day…very animated, knowledgeable…fascinating!” -Bobbi

“Leader had excellent knowledge of topic and engaging personality!” -Pearl

“The presenter is lovable.” -Veronica

“The presenter did a fabulous job of covering history, places, people in a very interesting way. He included just the right amount of personal memories. This was really enjoyable!” -Carol

“I learned so much and was entertained, too.” -John

“Mike’s personal involvement in the industry that made his stories so much more interesting.” -Kitty

“He was funny and personable and I learned a few things I didn’t know.” -Sophia

“Getting to know the 5 boros – and the amazing garmet industry better.” -Vicki

“Mike is exceptional. He obviously knows the business thoroughly, but beyond that he has great natural skill at presenting lots of information quickly with wit and with a winning manner. He’s a master story teller. Clone this guy.” -John G.

“Mike was very funny, knowledgeable, and entertaining.” -Deborah

“I love the anecdotes of Mikes experience working in the industry.” -Susan

“Marvelous lecturer with great knowledge of the garment industry, interesting stories and anecdotes. You can tell he loves this topic that he has devoted his lifetime to.” – Natalie

“Mike’s enthusiasm and the coverage he gave of various aspects of the history of the industry.” -Susan A.

“Presenter was enthusiastic and had high attachment to NYC Garment industry.” -Arlene

“Lots of information with anecdotal stories. Excellent use of slides. Well prepared.” -Gail

“It was very informative and fast paced so that I stayed tuned the entire time. I learned why it is called Wall Street also! A neat program.. thanks so much!” -Mary

“Your speaker, Mike, is so engaging! I learned a lot and had fun.” -Olivia

“We liked the personalization of the stories. The history of New York City.” -Beth

“I loved some interesting facts he gave about NYC like Herald Sq and Times Sq being named for the newspapers, and the geography of the garment district moving uptown but not on 5th Ave” -Robin

“Mike was funny and relatable. He had stories that could only come from a person who was in the industry. Fantastic!” -Kathleen

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Categories: Virtual, Neighborhoods