Garment District, New York City, USA
(Margaret Bourke-White / Time & Life Pictures / Getty)
Manhattan’s Garment District has been the center of the American fashion industry since at least the turn of the twentieth century. In 1900, New York City’s garment trade was its largest industry by a factor of three. The entire fashion ecosystem, from fabric suppliers to designer showrooms, existed within an area just under a square mile.
Native New Yorker Margaret Bourke-White was in her mid-twenties when she took this picture. She would later become Life magazine’s first female photojournalist and, during the Second World War, the first female war correspondent.
The two cars shown are a 1930 Ford Model A 4-Door Sedan (left) and a Ford Model A Sports Coupe (right).
‘New Ford Town Sedan. Luxurious transportation at low cost. Richly finished in every detail. The deep cushions are upholstered in Mohair or Bedford Cord according to choice. New Ford Convertible Cabriolet. Combines the Roadster’s airy freedom and the snug comfort of a coupe. The convertible top may be easily raised or lowered.’
Ford Model A Full-Line Brochure, 1931
