Numbers

Seventh Avenue

"Seventh Avenue" is a nickname for the New York fashion industry in much the same way that "Wall Street" is a nickname for the New York financial industry, "Madison Avenue" is a nickname for the New York advertising industry, and "the Great White Way" is a nickname for the New York theater industry.  The reason for the nickname is that the New York fashion industry was centered around Seventh Avenue between 34th and 42nd Streets.  Another nickname for this neighborhood is the "Garment District."  Such designers as Liz Clairborne, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Nicole Miller are based there.  In addition, the Fashion Institute of Technology is located on Seventh Avenue.  There is also the Fashion Walk of Fame with plaques in the sidewalk honoring famous designers on Seventh Avenue between 35th and 41st Streets.

How It's Used

"Nearly a decade after Bill Blass retired from Seventh Avenue, the company that bears his name is closing, with many of its remaining staff expected to leave this week. According to current and former designers who have carried on the collection in recent years, the company will close its showroom at 550 Seventh Avenue and eliminate about 30 remaining jobs there as early as Friday."

"A person walking down Seventh Avenue runs little risk anymore of being mowed down by a pushcart. Just a handful of workrooms remain that can whip up custom trimmings, and there are few skilled workers capable of operating the bulky machinery required to make gossamer fripperies like Schiffli lace. Come 2010, when the runway shows move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, the last symbolic link between Seventh Avenue and Fashion Week will also be lost."

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