MAYOR GIULIANI KICKS OFF "7th ON SIXTH" FASHION WEEK AT BRYANT PARK
-- Fashion Shows Expected To Generate $206.2 Million In Economic Activity --
Signaling the beginning of New York City's Fall 1998 Fashion Week, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today cut the ribbon at the annual "7th On Sixth" fashion shows. The shows, which are expected to generate approximately $206.2 million in economic activity for New York City, return this season to the runways at Bryant Park after a stop last Fall at Chelsea Piers.
The Mayor was joined at today's launch by "7th On Sixth" President Stan Herman and Executive Director Fern Mallis; Nicole Miller CEO Bud Konheim; Bryant Park Restoration Corporation Executive Director Dan Biederman; and Phil Guarascio, General Motors Vice President and General Manager of Marketing and Advertising for North American Operations.
"I'm very pleased to be here today to celebrate the beginning of Fall Fashion Week and the 7th on Sixth fashion shows," Mayor Giuliani said. "New York City is at the heart of both American and International fashion. With the creativity and energy displayed on Bryant Park's runways, the City is the perfect stage for "7th On Sixth." Four times a year, thousands of New Yorkers, tourists and the best and brightest of the fashion industry from around the world come to look at the latest trends. For this reason, the City's role in the area of fashion design is unmatched in the world and New York is naturally known as the 'Fashion Capital of the World."'
The Mayor continued, "The economic impact of the four annual "7th On Sixth" fashion shows is $206.2 million. This includes the secondary ripple effects of $86.3 million in spending by visitors and sponsors in the local economy, $4.2 million in direct economic activity, and $115.7 million in spending by participating designers, media and sponsors. In addition, the shows will generate an additional $8.9 million in City tax revenues ."
Since 1993, the Council of Fashion Designers of America has produced "7th On Sixth," four annual fashion shows of women's and men's clothing showcasing next season's trends. The two women's and two men's shows last for six days each and take place in April and November, and February and July, respectively. An estimated 16,000 attend a single women's show and 6,400 attend a single men's show. This year, Fashion Week runs from March 28 to April 3.
This year for the first time, General Motors and "7th On Sixth" announced the car manufacturer will be the title sponsor of the shows for the next three years. Beginning this season, the exhibitions will be known as "General Motors Fashion Week."
"Our return to Bryant Park would not have been possible without the support of a great many people and organizations," said Stan Herman, President of "7th On Sixth". "We are gratified by the enthusiasm of our designers, who signed on early and in large numbers to show with us, and by our strong and successful partnerships with General Motors and the City of New York. Their involvement allows us to provide a fitting showcase for the remarkable creativity and energy of the world of fashion as it explodes in New York."
From 1993 through 1996, the shows were centralized in and around Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan, with additional shows held throughout the City. This past Fall, the women's fashion shows were moved to the Chelsea Piers for a single showing.
The fashion industry is one of New York City's largest manufacturing industries with 225,000 employees and approximately $20 billion in annual economic activity.
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