Make It In Manhattan – Help Save the Garment Center

On February 16th, director James Belzer (of “The Tents”) and film co-founder and New York designer, Michelle Vale previewed their documentary, “Make It In Manhattan” that took place at Splashlight Studios with New York-based designers Loris Diran, Bibhu Mohapatra, and Rachel Dooley in attendance. “Make It In Manhattan” is a documentary celebrating New York/domestic design and the importance of local manufacturing.

The progressive film celebrates New York/domestic design and the importance of local manufacturing. As American designers and brands head overseas to produce their garments and products in an effort to increase margins, it is the American people that suffer as jobs are lost and business is taken elsewhere. The film explores the conservation of space for fashion firms, supporting American workers, and preserving the very heart of New York City’s garment center.

It’s a call to action to the media, the American public and designers that continue to manufacture overseas. New York designers featured in the film include Nanette Lepore, Wes Gordon, Bibhu Mohaparta, Yeohlee Teng, Christian Cota, Gaby Basora of TUCKER and Michelle Vale, who are all committed to “Make It In Manhattan”.