It’s true. The Midwest is no NYC when it comes to the fashion industry.
It is better.
I used to think that we in the Midwest were missing out by not being in a “fashion hub”. I’ve realized, though, that it is precisely because we aren’t in a fashion hub that we actually have it better in many ways.
Midwest fashion is more practical, down to earth, and less pretentious. Fashion is definitely part of our lives, but it is not our entire lives.
Midwest fashion is scrappy and entrepreneurial. With cheaper cost of living, easy shipping to both coasts, and more space to grow, you’ll find the Midwest a great spot for start-ups.
Midwest fashion is innovative. We don’t have as many resources right down the street like in the NYC garment district, so Midwest brands have adopted new technology and ways of working remotely in a global world. The fashion industry is traditionally very old school, but Midwest fashion is pushing the industry forward.
Midwest fashion is collaborative. (This might be my favorite thing that makes the Midwest fashion industry better.) There is a stereotype that the fashion industry is competitive and secretive, but I have not found that to be true here. We work together, share resources, and support new people in the industry.
I was at the Chicago Pop-up Garment District trade show last week and all this was evident there. The Midwest fashion industry got together and it was vibrant and full of wonderful conversations and connections.
Being able to find buttons just down the street would be nice, but when it comes to my career in fashion, the Midwest is where I want to be.
P.S. No judgment if you choose to live and work in NYC because you like it. For some people, that lifestyle is great. For the rest of us, we can live elsewhere and not miss out on fashion.