Fashion vs. Luxury Housing: The Battle for NYC’s Garment District with Johnathan Hayden
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.
Our client, Johnathan Hayden, a womenswear designer based in the Garment District, join SUITED with Kenya Wiley 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.
For more on fashion law, politics and policy, follow SUITED on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter here.
Thank you, Kenya, for sharing Johnathan’s voice on your platform!
Introspective innovations fashion week aw 2025 set to award Elliot carlyle
Elliot Carlyle, CEO & Founder of CURRENT•LY Global, Inc., Honored with Introspective Innovation Innovator of the Year Award
New York, NY – January 28, 2025 – CURRENT•LY Global, Inc. is thrilled to announce that our CEO and Founder, Elliot Carlyle, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Introspective Innovation Innovator of the Year Award. This distinguished recognition, presented by Introspective Innovation Fashion Week, celebrates Elliot Carlyle’s outstanding contributions, visionary leadership, and transformative impact within the fashion, entertainment, and creative industries.
The Innovator of the Year Award honors trailblazers who push boundaries, redefine creativity, and inspire others to dream bigger and innovate boldly. Elliot Carlyle’s dedication to empowering emerging talents, fostering innovation, and championing diversity and inclusion in the global creative landscape embodies the very essence of this award.
“It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition from Introspective Innovation Fashion Week,” said Elliot Carlyle. “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration, mentorship, and a relentless commitment to building meaningful opportunities for others. I am inspired to continue creating spaces where innovation thrives and communities grow.”
Elliot Carlyle has made a lasting mark as a thought leader, mentor, and change-maker in the creative economy. Through his work with CURRENT•LY Global, Inc., he has developed and managed a growing roster of influential designers, athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders. His ability to merge creativity with strategy has resulted in high-profile collaborations, groundbreaking campaigns, and impactful partnerships that continue to shape the future of fashion and beyond.
The award ceremony will take place during Introspective Innovation Fashion Week on Friday, February 7th, 2025, at Art Gotham in New York City, where Elliot Carlyle will be honored alongside other visionaries making waves in their respective fields.
This recognition underscores CURRENT•LY Global’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation, uplifting talent, and creating impactful change. Elliot Carlyle’s achievements and forward-thinking approach inspire us to continue building a legacy that redefines creativity and fosters global influence.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information about Elliot Carlyle and CURRENT•LY Global, Inc., please contact: management (at) currentlyglobal.com.
For media inquiries, press credentials, interviews, or additional information about Introspective Innovations Fashion Week, please contact: introspectiveinnovations (at) gmail.com.
About CURRENT•LY Global, Inc.
CURRENT•LY Global, Inc. is a dynamic agency specializing in talent representation, brand development, and creative management. Founded by Elliot Carlyle, the company is dedicated to shaping the future of innovation by empowering visionaries across industries to maximize their potential, impact, and influence.
About Introspective Innovation Fashion Week
Introspective Innovation Fashion Week is an annual celebration of creativity and forward-thinking innovation in fashion, art, and design. The event honors individuals and organizations that push boundaries and inspire bold ideas through their work and contributions to the global creative community.
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