The city that dressed America—before fast fashion killed the dream.
WXXI captures the story of Rochester’s garment industry and the people who contributed to it in this documentary that showcases the rich history of Rochester’s clothing industry. From Michaels-Stern & Co. to the Button Factory, to Hickey Freeman, it tells of the clothiers who revolutionized the garment business and the immigrant workers who made Rochester a key player in the industry.
Production
WXXI's archival treasure hunt through forgotten factory floors.
Writing
Brenda Tremblay's warm narration saves it from dry textbook territory.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Hickey Freeman's 'clothes make the man' slogan originated here—Rochester once produced 1 million suits yearly.
This 2016 doc arrived just as 'made in America' was becoming a boutique marketing pitch, not an industry.
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