19 Fashion Facts Every New Yorker Knows

Updated on 12/3/2017 at 7:30 AM

Even if you've lived there all your life, somehow you haven't explored every little nook and cranny of New York. You might have watched the entire Sex and the City series backward and forward, but we promise there are fashion facts Carrie Bradshaw hasn't taught you. From runway presentations in Bergdorf Goodman's penthouse and The Plaza Hotel to happenings at very iconic stores, read up on 19 famous style moments you'll wish you could've witnessed. When you're done, you'll not only feel like a legitimate fashion girl, but you'll also know just what to put on your itinerary the next time you visit NYC.

The Economic Benefit of NYFW Is Astounding

Events generate close to $900 million for New York's economy, surpassing the NYC Marathon, the Super Bowl, and the US Open.

Over 230,000 People Attend NYFW Shows Each Season

Designers Used to Show Their Collections at the Plaza Hotel

When Eleanor Lambert inaugurated Fashion Week in 1943, designer presentations were given on a much smaller scale.

Ruth Finley Organizes the Chaos During NYFW

She began organizing the calendar and sorting out locations for the events in 1944.

900 Fashion Companies Have Their Headquarters in NYC

That makes for about 180,000 fashion jobs in New York alone.

Andrew Rosen Is the Unofficial "Godfather of the Garment District"

He's the CEO of Theory and a board member of the CFDA, and he came up with the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, which helps factory owners to sustain their work environments in the Garment District.

Bill Cunningham Pioneered Street Style

At 87 years old, Bill was an American fashion photographer for The New York Times for nearly 40 years. He traveled all over New York, capturing stylish citygoers in their natural environment, paving the way for street style. He passed away in 2016 after a stroke.

Editta Sherman Is Known as "the Duchess of Carnegie Hall"

She and Bill Cunningham used to shop at thrift stores for vintage clothes. Then, Editta would put them on and pose in front of architectural landmarks in New York that came from the same era as her outfits. Bill's photographs of her were compiled into his collection Bill Cunningham: Facades.

Macy's Herald Square Was the Largest Department Store in the World — Until 2009

From 1924-2009, Macy's held the record. Then the South Korean chain Shinsegae opened in Busan, stealing its title. Interestingly, Macy's began as R.H Macy Dry Goods and was originally located at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street.

It's Legal to Go Topless

Celebrity Scout Willis famously went topless in New York as part of her efforts to #FreeTheNipple on social media.

FIT's Museum Has Free Admission

It's open to the public, and more than 100,000 people visit each year.

Some of the Best Designers Got Their Start at Parsons

Jenna Lyons, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Tom Ford, Anna Sui, Jason Wu, Narciso Rodriguez, Derek Lam, and Prabal Gurung all graduated from Parsons School of Design.

Bergdorf Goodman Is the Sole Remaining NYC-Centric Department Store

It's located at 754 Fifth Ave. and boasts sales of $600 million annually.

Designers Used to Show Their Collections at Bergdorf Goodman

John Galliano famously put on a runway show in Bergdorf Goodman's penthouse in 1996.

Michael Kors Has Bergdorf Goodman to Thank For His Entire Line

He famously showed his first collection to Fashion Director Dawn Mello, who allowed him to sell his products exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman.

There's a Reason You Won't Find Neiman Marcus in NYC

It's actually a sister store to Bergdorf Goodman, owned by the same company. There's no need for an outpost in New York because as far as what's sold inside, they're pretty similar!

There's a Faux-Fur Hammock in Alexander Wang's Flagship Store

You can chill there and you won't get kicked out.

Yoko Ono and John Lennon Famously Bought $400,000 of Fur in NYC

The celebrity couple ordered exclusive furs from Bergdorf Goodman to an apartment at The Dakota on Christmas Eve in the late '70s.

Trash and Vaudeville Is the Iconic Punk Shop You've Heard Of

It was originally located on St. Marks Place, and Madonna, Tommy Hilfiger, and Iggy Azalea have all shopped there. It's now relocated to the East Village.