The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Barneys and some of New York’s finest designers are teaming up to show city manufacturers their love this fall. The stylish initiative, called “Made in New York,” will see Altuzarra, Narciso Rodriguez, Proenza Schouler, The Row, R13, Rag & Bone and Thom Browne unveiling wares that are — you guessed it — made in the Big Apple. The designers have contributed pieces every bit as sophisticated as those in their own lines: The Row, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen’s brand, whipped up a long, belted, navy cashmere coat and a slinky black slip dress ($2,890 and $3,990). The Proenza duo, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, kicked in a black, grommet-studded sleeveless tunic and skirt ($990 and $1,390).
The 20-item limited-edition line, in shades of black, white, red and gray, is available exclusively at Barneys stores and barneys.com. The store is donating 10 percent of all retail proceeds to the CFDA and the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, an investment fund that helps revitalize New York City’s garment industry.
“As a home-grown New York company we thought it was a perfect idea, and it gave us an opportunity to give back to the city,” said Daniella Vitale, chief operating officer and senior executive vice president of Barneys, which will prominently feature “Made in NY” in its Madison Avenue windows during Fashion Week. “The talented group of designers we approached all gave us a resounding yes and were supportive of the initiative. We hope to raise awareness and more job creation surrounding manufacturing in New York.”
Rodriguez, who came up in the business here, is thrilled to be part of the effort. “It’s important to save the craft and industry in New York City,” says the designer, who created a sleek, open-neck dress in red or graphic black and white ($1,795). “It is a beautiful part of the city’s heritage.”
CFDA chief Steven Kolb says the polished pieces make their point loud and clear: “By partnering with Barneys and New York designers, we are making an important design statement here and to the world — that high-quality fashion can be made in New York City.”