No matter the season, no matter the event, there’s always one detail that never seems to go away…
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers.
The Timelessness of a Floral
Big or small, many or few, flowers are everywhere- especially when it comes to fashion.
As I continue my fashion education journey, I more and more begin to pose questions I never used to. Instead of merely admiring clothing surface level, I have started diving deeper into a garment’s foundational story.
When looking at the pieces above, all images were pulled from either high-profile events or TV shows where clothing, in my opinion, becomes art. In every instance, a floral applique is attached, and it wasn’t until now that I began to ponder… Where do these flowers come from? Does each designer make their own?
The answer is… sometimes. But, most of the time, probably not. As any designer does, when it comes time to execute the design process that I discussed last week in The Story of a Product- Insight into Lecture with Product Development and Production Specialist, Ericka Mays, one must source materials for their product (flowers and all)! Just as factories all over the world specialize in their own thing (denim, silks, etc.), right here in New York City you will find the only custom fabric flower factory left in the country!
M&S Schmalberg Customer Fabric Flowers
Established in 1916, brothers Morris and Sam Schmalberg set out to create what would ultimately become a long-standing, fourth-generation business specializing in the craft of handmade fabric flowers. A family of survivors, their business continues to live on and service a wide range of clients from Ralph Lauren and Thom Browne, all the way down to you and me.
Last Wednesday, I myself had the opportunity to tour this factory right in the heart of the Garment District!
In my morning spent there, I met Adam Schmalberg, one of the current owners, and was taken through every step of the flower creation process.
Although he has worked with many high-profile clients, Adam spoke about how his favorite projects are the most sentimental ones. At Custom Fabric Flowers, your job as the client is to supply your own fabric (although they do make exceptions). In the past, Adam has worked with brides and grooms, and even some who bring in old garments of deceased family members. Having made flowers from his own daughter’s clothes she has since grown out of; he understands and appreciates the sentimental value these fabric flower creations can bring.
Preservation
In a world where many handcrafted roles are being handed over to machines, and garments are being produced so rapidly their losing the authentic value, it’s no secret that a place like Customer Fabric Flowers is uncertain about what the future holds.
In our conversation, Adam added that it’s “a constant struggle to find new business”. He included that being a manufacturer in America is tough because nowadays everyone seeks to have all of their materials and services outsourced due to the low cost.
Preserving factories like this is a must as we continue into the future. This is where it all began in fashion and is what makes the industry so aesthetically admirable. Without this business, 17 looks at the MET Gala just this year, wouldn’t have been what they were if Custom Fabric Flowers didn’t exist. In a time that is so technologically driven, I think it’s important to maintain the balance old-time factories like this offer. The beauty so many of us admire when watching film, award shows, or fashion events wouldn’t be present if it weren’t for craftsmen like Adam and his team.
Be sure to check out their website and maybe even put in an order of your own!
References: M&S Schmalberg – Artificial Flowers Made in New York, Since 1916 (customfabricflowers.com) Image References: The Environista (@theenvironista) • Instagram photos and videos, M&S Schmalberg Flowers (@customfabricflowers) • Instagram photos and videos
