Fashion a New York Adventure

Ask anyone where the epicenter of fashion is and they’ll say one of three cities — Milan, Paris, and New York. The New York fashion scene is in the appropriately named Fashion District and is a must-see on any trip to the Big Apple. Stay at Marriott Vacation Club^®, New York City, and you’ll be in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood and close to many of New York’s entertainment options.

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If you’re unfamiliar with the area, don’t worry; it’s easy to find: Just look for the Big Button. This 28-foot-tall statue of a button being “threaded” by a 32-foot-long needle, keeps watch over the corner of 39th Street and 7th Avenue. This pop street art marks the start of the Fashion District, which rolls south for about a dozen blocks down 7th Avenue. 

Alexandre Ayer / @DiversityPics for the Garment District Alliance

History Lessons

Before it was known as a “fashion” area, this neighborhood was called the Garment District (and still often is). It’s where thousands of designers and workers helped create the apparel business in the United States. You can learn more about this historic New York trade with free walking tours. The Garment District Alliance provides a deep-dive tour of the neighborhood twice a month on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays (departing from the Big Button). You’ll learn everything from the invention of the sewing machine to the creation of “modern” sizes. 

You can also curate your own history lesson by strolling 7th Avenue’s Fashion Walk of Fame, between 35th and 40th streets. Along this stretch, sidewalk plaques celebrate the who’s who of fashion designers, including Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg, Halston, and many more.

Inspiration from the Fashion Set

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on 27th Street between 7th and 8th avenues is where young style-setters hone their craft. Grab a coffee and sit outside for a few minutes of prime people watching and you’ll be up on all the current trends modeled in real life by the school’s uber-fashionable students. Then, head into the free museum at FIT to view student designs as well as curated exhibitions such as Statement Sleeves, Food & Fashion, and Latin American and Latinx fashion design. 

Fun With Fabrics

For DIY creators, this neighborhood is a prime destination to buy fabrics, trims, beads, buttons, and more. Perhaps best known is Mood Fabrics, the textiles shop of choice of Project Runway contestants. The store is a true Fashion District experience with three enormous floors packed with rolls of fabric stacked floor to ceiling in every imaginable color, print, and finish.

Courtesy of Mood Fabrics

Pro tip – Because of Mood’s massive size and inventory, you’ll be asked what you’re looking for and have fabrics brought to you. If you’re not sure what you want, or just prefer to browse, there’s a fabric shop for every interest in the surrounding neighborhood. 

Next door to Mood is Gray Lines Linen, which specializes in crisp fabrics ready for warm weather looks. Or maybe you’re hoping to create some over-the-top costumes? Spandex House is known for stretchy materials in neon colors, psychedelic prints, and sparkling metallics. 

Learning to DIY

Never touched a sewing machine before? The New York Sewing Center can help. Realize your designing dreams with one-day workshops that easily fit into your visit. Options range from learning to upcycle a men’s dress shirt into a breezy summer top to taking a full-day sewing machine boot camp.

Discount Deals

Another way to immerse yourself in the neighborhood is with sample sale and discount shopping. Grab spectacular bargains on overstocks, one-of-a-kind pieces that were true designer “samples,” as well as off-season finds. 

One spot that’s always well stocked with top names such as Tory Burch, Theory, and Helmut Lang is Clothingline on 36th Street, near 8th Avenue. This go-to is a well-kept secret of fashion insiders (shh, don’t tell anyone else). After arriving, follow the signs inside and take the elevator or stairs to the second floor.

A favorite of FIT students, Buffalo Exchange is a treasure trove of trendy vintage fashions. For “recycled” fashion that makes a statement, head to the local branch on 26th Street. 

Lot-Less is a discount clearance store with aisles stuffed with everything from cookies to kitchen supplies. But the highlight for fashion lovers are brand names at a fraction of retail, such as bathing suits for $20 that retail for $100-plus around the corner at Macy’s. (Note: The 40th street location is the Fashion District option.)

If you don’t find anything or just don’t feel like digging for bargains, you can browse the discount wares at Nordstrom Rack on 31st Street instead.

Where to Stay:

Stay in the heart of New York at Marriott Vacation Club^®, New York City, part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ City Collection.   

Spend time in your beautifully appointed guestroom or — better yet — at one of New York City’s most spectacular rooftop bars, Top of the Strand. Or get a bite to eat before exploring while surrounded by vintage sewing machines and books at the charming Twisted Knot Café and Lounge. 

Get the most out of every New York minute at this magnificent midtown location and make lifelong memories in the City That Never Sleeps. 

Award-winning travel journalist Melissa Klurman covers topics ranging from theme park vacations to African adventure travel. She lives in the New York City metro area and prides herself on uncovering the Fashion District’s best sample sale bargains.

Vacation Life writer Tyler Bohlman contributed to this article.