WHEREAS, The fashion and design industry is a booming market with a global valuation of over two trillion dollars annually according to Forbes; and
WHEREAS, At the turn of the 20th century, Philadelphia was a global leader in the apparel and textile industry. Since the 1980s, however, the number of Philadelphians employed in the fashion and design industry fell over 50 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and
WHEREAS, Since its decline, New York City and Los Angeles have traditionally headquartered America’s fashion and garment industry, but shifting trends may present opportunities for cities like Philadelphia to attract and revive the City’s garment industry; and
WHEREAS, New York City and Los Angeles carry some of the highest taxes and rental rates in the nation, leading many businesses and individuals to relocate in favor of friendlier markets; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia, one of the largest cities in the nation, provides many of the same benefits of New York City - an international airport, vibrant consumer base, esteemed colleges and a strong workforce - with a lower cost of living and friendlier tax structure; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia already has established roots in the fashion industry on which to build. Some of the most famous super models, including Grace Kelly and Gia Carangi, are from Philadelphia. Many of the City’s models have been featured in hit television shows including America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway; and
WHEREAS, The annual Philadelphia Fashion Week attracts over 10,000 industry leaders and consumers to the City. Embarking on its 14th year, the event is a regional leader and window into Philadelphia’s great potential within the fashion and garment industry; and
WHEREAS, Maximizing the industry’s investments and ties in Philadelphia would spur economic growth, create jobs, and reestablish the City’s as a global leader in fashion and design; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes Council’s Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold public hearings on the state of Philadelphia’s fashion and design industry.
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