Brace yourself before entering New York Elegant Fabrics: It's BIG![Note: Please visit my web site Shop the Garment District for the most up-to-date information about fabric and trim shopping in the Garment District.]
New York Elegant Fabrics has to be one of the largest fabric stores in the garment district. With some 20,000 square feet and two levels, this store seems to have a little bit of everything. Don't let the "elegant" in the name fool you as it did me: I was expecting to find a store with only laces, brocades and materials for gowns and the like. But New York Elegant Fabrics has fabrics ranging from cottons and shirtings to real furs and fake furs. It feels more like a traditional fabric store you might find in any major city but without the notions and patterns.
Prices at New York Elegant Fabrics seem to be on par with Mood Fabrics and Rosen & Chadick: No bargain-basement prices here. I saw many of the same types of fabrics you'd pay less for at Paron's, like wool suitings. But I also saw silk charmeuses in playful prints that would be great for jacket linings, and specialty fabrics, like brightly-colored, quilted nylons that would make cute barn coats or vests for little girls.
According to Charles Yoo, the owners' son, New York Elegant Fabrics does steady business with the theatre industry, providing fabric for shows like "Wicked" and the Metropolitan Opera. You can see that costumers would easily consider this store their favorite place for one-stop shopping—it's just so big, and the staff is very helpful. New York Elegant Fabrics has been selling to retail customers for more than 20 years.
Truthfully, I was a little overwhelmed the first time I visited this store. There's just a lot of fabric to see (not that that's a bad thing). I feel I need to go back a couple more times before I can realistically assess where this store rates on my need-to-visit list. I'd love to hear readers' opinions of it. Until then, if you have the time and since it's just down the block from Paron Fabrics and Paron's Annex on W. 40th, do pop in New York Elegant Fabrics and let me know what you think.
That's Charles Yoo, son of the owners, behind the counter. He's incredibly helpful and friendly.
You'll find rows and rows of printed silk charmeuses to choose from. Lots of fun jacket and coat lining options here.
Just to give you an idea of the store's prices.
I thought these double-sided, quilted nylon fabrics in bright colors would make cute jackets for toddlers and little girls.
The fake furs looked high-quality and there is a large selection.
New York Elegant Fabrics has the real stuff too.
Looking for cotton shirtings? This store has plenty of options.
You'll find loads of specialty fabrics, like this appliquéd sheer georgette.
Love this reusable bag! It came in handy for carrying the day's acquisitions.
New York Elegant Fabrics
222 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 302 - 4980
nyelegant@aol.com
Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
222 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 302 - 4980
nyelegant@aol.com
Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
19 comments:
Gosh, I love even the name!
"Where did you buy that fabric, darling?"
"Why, at New York Elegant Fabrics, where else? Do you have any Grey Poupon?"
You almost entice to to visit New York for the silk charmeuse.
Thanks for sharing another great fabric store address in NY. I book marked this one in my wish list too for my next visit to NY again.
Oh my goodness, I think I may be going to NY for a conference in September! If it works out, I hope you don't mind if I hit you up for some fabric shopping advice! :)
When I went to PR Weekend a couple of years ago we passed this store by. I had the feeling at that time that it was so exclusive that I wouldn't want to walk in. Now, I wish we had visited.
I really liked that store...except for the prices LOL! I held out and went to Paron's :) .
I have been here several times and I never seem to buy anything. I did think that Mood was cheaper on some things. The special occasion fabrics are really spectacular though and if you are looking for that amazing piece of fabric this store probably has it. I think that they have terrible lighting in the back of the store that makes it really hard to see the fabrics! I did go down to Paron and bought some great fabrics at great prices in the annex.
What's in the bag Lindsay? What'd you buy!
I am so jealous! All I have is a Fabricville. Even though it's been a good store when I see what else is out there :(
The answer to your question on my blog, I live just outside of Fredericton.
Yeah, I'm with Ann, so pea green with envy that it hurts!
How is it, with all the chatter all the time about fabrics in the garment district, that I've never heard of this store?
When I was recently shopping in NYC, Elegant Fabrics happened to be my first stop -- it happened to be on the same block as the place where we parked. We also had my dog with us (long story why), and they let us walk around in the store with my dog! I appreciated that, as the day was kind of cold, and standing outside wouldn't have been a fantastic option. I was also totally not expecting that.
The other notable thing about the store, I thought, was the clientele. Several people (mostly gay males, actually) talked to me and were very nice. I mean, I did have an adorable dog with me, which I think drew some attention to me, but nonethless, it was one of the only stores I was in where the clientele was not mostly fashion students or too snobby to chat. It gave the place a really nice aura. :)
I must admit that I missed the second floor of this place. I also didn't buy anything. I was looking for bridal lace, and while they had a large selection, the perfect piece wasn't there. But, I definitely want to go back next time I'm in NYC!
Yeah I'm with Dana; what's in the bag??? Did you get any of that gorgeous charmeuse?...
Looks like a fab store. I'm definitely checking your blog before I go to NYC.
Lindsay .- were you at the "Paradise of Textiles" ... secure. I love fabric stores are my passion. Ahhh. the bag lives up to the name of the store, is elegant. greetings, Paco
Here's an email I got from NY Elegant Fabrics' Charles Yoo:
"Thank you so much for taking the time to write about our store. I have been meaning to write since you wrote earlier in the week. I am thankful for the positive points that you have made, as well as your loyal readers. I hope that we can accommodate to our loyal and curious patrons. If there is anything that I can respond to or follow, please do let me know.
It was interesting to read your users' comments. I hope that going forward our store will continually evolve, and keep the interest.
Looking forward to seeing you soon at NY Elegant Fabrics."
Not nice Lindsay- not nice to let us all come along! I will have to get there when I am back in NYC. Thanks for the tour! And how cool to have Elegance email you!
P.S. Lindsay has a face! Nice pic!
I've been to NY Elegant many times. I bought the most beautiful Italian bouclé for a Chanel style jacket that I still wear all winter. I've found the staff and owners to be very friendly and helpful. No bargains, but good fabrics.
This is my go to spot for Bemberg lining. They have it in every color under the sun and in both 44" and 56" widths! I walk through and look at the goodies but I think this is all I've ever bought here!
I have shopped there and found some great deals, but i do most of my fabric shopping online now.
i found a great store, dont know fi you have looked there.....it is called iluvfabrix.com
You can have a look by clicking this following like: http://www.iluvfabrix.com
Lanny
Actually, I love Elegant Fabrics. They are super nice and have a very good selection of a lot of different fabrics. They are great about cutting swatches, and they often have really fab pieces on their remnant racks (I'm a small person, so I love remnants!)- at great discounts.
The only thing I failed to find was a Liberty silk that I ultimately had to send to London for, but I don't think you can fault them for that!
Maybe not quite up there with Rosen & Chaddick, but really recommended!
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