M&S Schmalberg Flowers Factory in New York, NY

Nestled in the heart of New York City's famed garment district, M & S Schmalberg Flowers stands as an authentic testament to the city's industrial past and a hidden gem for those intrigued by handcrafted artisanship. With over a century of legacy, this factory is most recognized for creating custom fabric flowers, and as America's largest, most diverse creator of this unique craft. It has remained a family-owned business, preserving and practicing traditional craftsmanship, producing remarkable fabric flowers that have adorned Broadway shows, royal weddings, and iconic fashion brands. For design enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone curious about New York’s rich tapestry of industries, this timeless factory offers a peek into a vibrant facet of the city that never sleeps.

Established in 1916, M & S Schmalberg encompasses a rich history that mirrors the growth and transformation of New York City itself. The factory occupies a character-filled 5,000 square foot space on the seventh floor of a classic New York building on West 36th Street. Through the decades, generations of the Schmalberg family have skillfully maintained its charm and industrial authenticity. Enveloped by storied walls adorned with vintage tools, this factory breathes life into age-old artistry, making it a novel point of interest amidst the modernity of Manhattan.

The highlights of visiting M & S Schmalberg lie in admiring the fusion of traditional techniques with innovative designs and experiencing the transcendence of craftsmanship. The factory tour offers a glance at the mesmerizing process of transforming plain fabric into exquisite flowers. Thousands of hand-curated antique flower irons, reflecting a range of flora from roses to daisies, can be seen. One can also witness firsthand the intricate process of creating these beautiful fabric flowers, from cutting petals to hand-pressing and assembling them. It’s not just a visit, it's stepping into a time machine of tradition and artistry.

Halfway through the tour, visitors can immerse themselves in a sea of color and texture in the sample room, housing thousands of fabric flowers of every conceivable type. The creativity exhibited is awe-inspiring, with flowers fashioned from diverse materials such as silk, velvet, satin, and organza. The finished products, gracing hats, dresses, and home decor, often end up on illustrious platforms like the New York Fashion Week, offering a sense of the extent and impact of this unsung craft.

M & S Schmalberg invites visitors to partake in a journey through time, preserving a slice of New York's cultural and industrial heritage. It serves as a memorable diversion from conventional city sites, resonating with those who value art, craftsmanship, and history. This family-owned factory is a testament to passion, hard work, and the beauty of handcrafted artistry. A trip to New York is truly incomplete without exploring this artifact of a bygone era, still flourishing amidst the city's ever-evolving landscape. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or someone seeking an unconventional cultural experience, M & S Schmalberg offers an unmissable waypoint on your New York discovery.