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Fabric flowers, an art in danger of extinction in New York

New York, Feb 9 (efe-epa).- Although the fabric flower industry enjoyed an incredible boom in the early 20th century in the United States, when they were widely used in dresses and hats, now there is only one factory of this decorative element that survives in New York.

Located in the heart of the Manhattan Fashion District, it still uses many of the techniques implemented more than a century ago.

“When they started the company, there were many other manufacturers making flowers, and the whole Garden Center in general was a thriving place. It was much different than what it is now,” says Adam Brand, the fourth generation of a family that has managed to keep the M&S Schmalberg company afloat.

Friendly and chatty, Brand proudly displays simple pieces of small-factory machinery that were purchased when the business started and continues to make the colorful, voluminous flowers that they sell to prestigious fashion designers, fashion companies, dance or film production companies.

Its flowers end up in designs by Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa on the popular Victoria’s Secret catwalk and in dresses that Drew Barrymore, Anne Hathaway or Scarlet Johannson have worn on the red carpet.

Film and television also bring them significant benefits, and their creations have appeared in films such as Crazy Rich Asians and on television shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. EFE-EPA

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