Is it just me, or has the NYC fashion industry become increasingly unsustainable for apparel and technical designers?
So many roles have been and are mostly freelance, temp, or hourly—rarely offering stability or growth. Even mid-level roles like Production Managers are being posted at $80k or less, and that’s in NYC. Salaries haven’t shifted with inflation or the demands of the job. It’s disheartening to see job boards saturated with entry-level or underpaid roles labeled “urgent hiring” — mostly from recruiters who seem to dominate the postings.
Where’s the innovation? Where’s the investment in creative and technical talent?
There are only a handful of major corporate companies left in NYC, and the rest of the market feels increasingly fragmented. What value are recruiters bringing when they flood the market with lowball offers? And how can we shift this narrative toward a healthier, more forward-thinking industry?
Curious to hear if others are feeling the same for this industry?
Venture capital has killed fashion as we once knew it. So much label licensing is not about design, but about the parent company’s bottom line. Department stores & chain retailers dictate what they think they can sell, and when, and how much. What used to be “designer” labels are now boring department store dreck. But smaller or independent (and therefore more expensive) brands have a hard time getting into stores, and if the goods doesn’t move within a few weeks the markdowns & chargebacks are prohibitive for a small business. And now, invoicing terms are 120-180 days for the majors- how many small businesses can manage their cash flow that way? And is it any wonder that the off- price market is seeing a boom in business when the American consumer has been trained that $19.99 is what any garment should cost, and you don’t have to pay full retail if you know where to shop? It has been a race to the bottom for a long time now. If the tariffs stay in place there will be some sticker shock.
YES YES. Spitting truth! Speaking of Off-Price, it’s sad that consumers haven’t wised up that these price points are an illusion of value and it’s really the same stuff everywhere.
With regards to innovation, if diversity of thought was valued, integrity in business practices were practiced, ethical production was upheld, and eco-consciousness was at the front of mind to consumers…then that may spark it. But until folks continue to value quantity over quantity, then what’s the incentive for them to change?
I think with future ESG regulation and if the tariff woes continue, it will cause a major shift in many areas.