#M&S Schmalberg

[lexstudytour]

This week, I had the great opportunity to visit M&S Schmalberg, it was an amazing experience. Walking into you could immediately sense the history and craftsmanship that has defined this family-owned business for over a century. Learning about their handmade flowers was fascinating, especially now since so few things are still completely handmade.

One of the highlights of the visit was seeing the step-by-step process of how these beautiful flowers are made. Every petal, every bloom is carefully shaped and assembled by hand, ensuring a unique and high-quality product. It was a rare and refreshing sight in today’s fast-paced, mass-produced fashion world. The level of detail and precision that goes into each piece is truly incredible.

Another part of the tour that made it even more special was the opportunity to take home some different petals and create our own pieces. This added a personal touch to the experience, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship on an even deeper level. Being able to work with these materials firsthand really emphasized the artistry and dedication that goes into every single flower.

Overall, my visit to M&S Schmalberg was a 10/10 experience. It was inspiring to see a company that has stayed true to its craft and continues to produce high-quality, handmade pieces in New York City. I would recommend a visit to anyone interested in fashion, craftsmanship, or just looking for a unique experience.

[taliafiscantenycstudytour]

Today we attended M&S Schmalberg, a floral fabric factory. The factory is a family owned business and originally opened in 1916. All of the flowers, still to this day are hand made in New York City. The business is now a fourth generation family business. When it had begun, there were many similar of its kind producing flowers in the garment district, but today it is the last one to remain with its production in America.

I had never heard of M&S Schmalberg before the tour, but as the tour began he spoke about many projects and celebrity collaborations the business had done and then I was able to realize I have seen their work many times. It was very interesting to learn about how tedious and technical it is to produce the beautiful flowers that are seen in the images above. We were lucky enough to be able to walk through the entire factory and were given an example how a flower is made. He mentioned the fabrics must first be starched, and then they must dry. He first began by using an outline, similar to a cookie cutter, and he then applied pressure to it so that it would cut through the multiple layers of the fabric. Then he heated the imprints and pressed the fabric flower into the imprints. After that the flower could then go on and be assembled based on a specific design or style. It was very interesting to be able to see the behind the scenes of a factory, and it was very cool to see all the machinery and how it all works.

The owner had spoken with us about all the many reasons people contact them to get flowers made. Fashion of course, but also for weddings, home decor, crafts, and many more. I thought it was very interesting he had mentioned that clients can mail them things such as wedding dresses, baby blankets, and other sentimental belongings, and they can have them turned into flowers that can be worn or used for decoration. Overall, I had a great time learning about this factory and I purchased a flower of my own to take home.

[victorian-wizard]

Face reveal because I had prom last night and I want to show off my outfit. Finally finished my GCSEs on Tuesday, no more exams for me!

I got the carnation custom made in pale green to be part of the Oscar Wilde crew by M&S Schmalberg on Etsy, I strongly recommend them if you want to buy a boutonnière.

[jolenesees]

M&S Schmalberg

Last week we went to M&S Schmalberg aka the fabric flower manufacturer here in New York. When we got there we had to wait in the lobby which was filled with a lot of photos of celebrities wearing their flowers. My favourite photo of the one of the Victoria’s Secret angel with her big purple flower wings. Also in the library was a old sewing machine. I think every place we go they love to decorate with old machines.

When entering the main area we were surrounded by hundreds of fake flowers. I immediately wanted to ask if there was any real ones because i feel like it would be difficult to spot them out since the flowers were so well made. We got to talk with the owner of the company who’s family has been running it since 1916. He was a very funny and charismatic man and made this whole experience more memorable. We got to ask kinda taboo questions to him like who was your worst client and he enjoyed answering them.

After an introduction on the company and a few silly questions asked later, we made it to the factory portion of the building where we go to see the flowers being made. It look really similar to places i’ve been to pick up items for my internship where the machines are out in the open for customers to see. I enjoy being able to see how they flowers were made using a bunch of cookie cutter molds.

Earlier on in the tour, I had asked if he had ever worked with fur. he was not sure if they ever did since it is a very difficult fabric to mold but while walking around I was able to spot a fur flower. We also go to see the flowers they are making for disney’s rapunzel which was super exciting. At the end of the tour we got little flower clips which happened to be there business card. It was probably the most unique business card I’ve ever received. Overall, I love this tour and I just might commission them to recreate a flower bouquet from my dads wedding.

Love

Jolene

[courtkossai]

random share - showcase of m&s schmalberg silk flowers by bernadette banner

so truly love videos on historical fashions and crafts !

[livyscityguide]

New York Embroidery Studio

Two weeks ago for study tour we went to the New York Embroidery Studio, this was on of the most interesting places I've yet to see during my time in the city. It reminded me a lot of M&S Schmalberg! Both of these establishments are located in the garment district and work in these small factories on a single floor of a building, doing things that no one else can do. The NYES in specific was impressive to see because of their range of authentic embroidery practices and machines they used to new aged 3D printed embroidery, which was something I had never even heard of before. Their 3D samples were like nothing I had ever felt or seen before and I think given time and the right audience it could be a huge development in the world of fashion.

The NYES prides themselves on their range of services, they offer not only plain embroidery and 3D printing but also laser cutting, smocking, hand-sewing, pleating, sequins, and any other trimming and finding you can think of! If you have an idea, they can execute it. Like I said, they can do it like no one else. They have worked with designers including, but not limited to: Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Brandon Maxwell, Tory Burch, and Kate Spade. This tour was wonderful as always, big thanks to the lovely team at NYES for the tour!

[mimilemar-kentstudytour]

M&S Schmalberg Study Tour

We visited M&S Schmalberg, which i a fabric flower manufacturer. Right as we walked in, it felt like we were in a garden. The walls were adorned with flowers of all different shapes, sizes, and patterns. We sat down and learned a bit about the history and importance of the brand, and about different projects they have worked on. I thought it was most interesting how they work with celebrities to make red carpet looks, as well as bridal uses- like making fabric bouquets.

We were then taken back into the factory and were able to see the people that produce the flowers, as well as the specialty machines they use to make them. I thought it was most interesting how they maintained a lot of the processes they used in the past, while changing them some to increase efficiency. We were walked through all the steps of creation, from cutting, to gluing, to the different finishes they can put on the flowers. Kindly, they allowed us to look through scraps of flowers that were either not finished or not up to standards. We were also encouraged to purchase pre-made flowers or reach out if we ever wanted to work on a project. Overall, I thought the experience was very wonderful and enjoyed seeing how they can keep a small business running, especially with all the changes in recent years in the garment industry.

[wrldofanthonii]

A Visit to M&S Schmalberg

I'm back with another trip! Earlier this week I visited M&S Schmalberg and I absolutely loved it!! It wasn't as cold outside this time, so the travel there was nice and easy haha. Before our visit, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew they were one of few companies specializing in fabric flower making. So obviously I was expecting a beautiful shop! After the visit, I can confidently say the shop was stunning and I gained so much knowledge thanks Adam Brand! Adam makes M&S Schmalberg a fourth-generation, family-owned company. It was started by his great uncles, inherited by their nephew in New York after the holocaust, owned by Warren Brand(his father), and now him!

As you open the first door to M&S Schmalberg you enter a colorful hallway filled with life! It's like walking on the road to Wonderland. A little appetizer before the entree. As you walk down the hall you're forced to see all the beautiful work the company has done with celebrities, magazines, and more. Then you open the main door and it's a wonderland. The first thing that caught my eye as I walked in was the HUGE red flower sitting above the wall of mirrors. The entire space is a capsule of their work. Flowers from all different projects covering the rooms from top to bottom, and machinery and tools from the 20th century to the present day.

The company has a lot of rich history, which was interesting to learn about! Chanel bought the camellia flowers from M&S Schmalberg for her suits before Chanel bought their own factory for example. Speaking of the camellia, that is their most sold and commissioned flower. After seeing them in person, I completely understand why. Vera Wang started the Vera flower made at Schmalberg after going to pick flowers for a collection and making her own on the spot.

The visit ended with Adam kindly letting us dig through a scrap box of unfinished flowers that we could use for future projects!! So, if you ever need custom fabric flowers or well-crafted, ethically made flowers go to M&S Schmalberg!! They're an amazing company with amazing people!

[madeleinemickley]

Study Tour 2

This week our class visited M & S Schmalberg custom fabric flowers. We went through the history of the company and how they have greatly built up their company. For example they used to only sell a few flowers a month to collaborating with major designers and celebrities. We learned that they do installations for different events, back drops, weddings and even bouquets. I found it interesting that they do not work just within the fashion industry but in many others as well. Also we learned that they can make their flowers out of anything and that they make sentimental flowers such as those made from baby blankets, dresses or really anything.

We got a tour of their factory which I found especially interesting to see how they make each of their flowers. Seeing all of their different molds for different flowers, how they cut each petal and how the final product is made was a very cool and amazing experience. Each flower is so carefully and thoughtfully put together and each flower was so beautiful, they had every color, size and fabric you could imagine. Overall, I really enjoyed visiting them and will definitely remember them if I ever need flowers for any of my projects.

[study-tour-df]

M&S Schmalberg

Today I had the pleasure of visiting M&S Schmalberg alongside my class. For those who don't know of this company, they make gorgeous flowers out of fabrics in any shape, color, or textile. They are a 4th generation family owned business that was created in 1916, located in the heart of the garment district.

Before we start it is imperative that you get a brief history lesson as it directly contributes to the companies creation; the dress of the late 1800's moving into the next century was characterized by billowing fabric and decorative ornamentation. Along with this was the addition of feathers and decorative florals that women could use to dress up their fashion. When M&S Schmalberg started in the early 20th century, there were over 400 feather and flower manufacturers in the United States. However, seeing as times have changed greatly, they are one of the last floral studios of their kind. This is what makes them so special.

Though many people may not know them by name, they have most likely seen their floral creations on celebrities, at the Met Gala, and in NYFW shows. They have even made contributions to shows like Bridgerton and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Despite this high level of success in fashion and cinema, the factory has remained a quaint and comfortable space for many employees, some of which have been proud to work there for over 40 years.

The process of creating these flowers is simpler than you may think, especially with the help of machinery and technology. It starts off with a textile that is cut into panels and soaked in starch. The material is then stretched on wooden frames to dry. Later on, the material is folded numerous times to speed up the cutting process. Using a press and a flower shaped cutter (picture a Christmas cookie cutter), flat petals are created through a series of stamping movements. These flat petals are transferred into molds and compacted with the help of a hydraulic press to become more three dimensional. Lastly, the finished petals are stacked and fluffed in many different ways with infinite combinations to make any flower that is desired.

Attending this factory visit was very inspiring in many ways. As a design student myself, I was able to glance into the world of hands-on creativity and exploration. The company is rich in history and family values that help keep it alive, as well as a passion for the arts that will never die.

[dudacandeo]

A historic family-run business specializing in handcrafted fabric flowers, M&S Schmalberg is a luxurious company who has been producing custom flowers for over a century. The most incredible thing is that the client can choose the fabric and all details of the flower to match better with their collection.

Using traditional techniques passed down through generations, they have molds and machines combined with talented people to produce the complete customization of each flower.

Timeless beauty and elegant to any design, their flowers are the dedication to slow fashion aligns with modern industry demands and the combination of artisanal craft and the innovative fashion.

[livyscityguide]

M&S Schmalberg

M&S Schmalberg is a historic name in the fashion industry, opening their doors in 1916 as one of 300+ fabric flower manufacturers, and now stands alone as the only one left. It was started by the Schmalberg brothers, Sam and Morris, and is now currently run by a fourth generation descendant! Their legacy needs no explanation, as they have worked with a multitude of celebrities and fashion designers such as Oscar De La Renta, Vera Wang, Marc Jacabs, and Ralph Lauren as well as partnering with a multitude of costume and scenery designers across the city. They truly are one of a kind in today’s world.

As for what I learned while on my tour of their combined office and factory, they still use a lot of the same manufacturing processes that they did when they first opened their doors almost 110 years ago! To make a fabric flower it starts with fabric selection, once you have your desired fabric you choose the stencil shape you want to use, it then gets pressed into the fabric under the weight of this very large and very old machine (they used to use hammers and hand “press” the stencils), it is then moved into a hot stencil where the cut out petals are pressed into a mold and heated to give it more shape and definition, then once you’ve completed the processes for all the parts of the flowers you want to make its time to assemble! Sounds simple enough, but M&S Schmalberg has aisles and aisles of different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles of flower that either need to be memorized by the employees or they need to be creative enough to simply create! Either way, everyone who works there is hardworking, true, and kind and it’s no secret why they’ve been able to keep their doors open all these years!

[lumiereunnsoleil]

Starting off a typical Thursday by visiting M&S Schmalberg fabric flower manufacturing company made a typical morning so special to me. As soon as I walked into their studio, it really reminded of my friend Carolina. She always comes up with a collection with flowers, and her work is actually pleasingly beautiful. I could see Carolina being part of their team and one up with amazing designs. It was very cool how we got to see the whole process of how they make the eflowers. The machines were very impressive and a bit satisfying to see how they press on the paper like boom boom boom. I got two flower badges for myself. I was not planning on doing a little shopping that day, but I couldn’t help it since the flowers were so beautiful. It took me a minute to make a decision, but I am happy with what I got and don’t regret a thing:)

It was a very memorable day.

[brookehenriksen]

Last week, our NYC study tour class took a fascinating trip to M&S Schmalberg, a remarkable custom fabric flower warehouse located in the Garment District. As one of the few remaining businesses of its kind in New York City, M&S Schmalberg stands as a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and rich family history that defines the fabric flower industry. Upon entering the warehouse, we were greeted by a vibrant array of meticulously crafted flowers, each one showcasing the artistry and attention to detail that has been passed down through generations.

We got the opportunity to speak with the company’s CEO, Adam Schmalberg, who told us his great grandfather had started the business in 1916. It was incredible to learn about how his commitment to quality and innovation laid the groundwork for what has become a beloved institution in the city. It was particularly inspiring to see how the company has adapted over the years, blending traditional techniques with modern designs to stay relevant in a rapidly changing fashion landscape. The passion of the current generation of Schmalbergs is so inspiring, as Adam recounted the challenges of maintaining a family-run business in a city that has seen so many similar enterprises fade away. His dedication to preserving this unique craft was evident in every interaction.

As we explored the workshop, it was fascinating to observe the meticulous production process, where M&S employees skillfully transformed plain fabric into intricate blooms. This hands-on experience highlighted the importance of craftsmanship in a world increasingly dominated by mass production. The visit to M&S Schmalberg not only enriched our understanding of the garment industry but also deepened our appreciation for the artistry involved in fashion. It was a reminder that behind every beautiful garment is a story, a heritage of creativity, and a legacy of skilled craftsmanship that continues to thrive amidst the challenges of modernity. Overall, our time at M&S Schmalberg was not just an educational experience; it was a journey through the heart of New York City’s rich textile history, leaving us inspired by the resilience and creativity of family-run businesses in an ever-evolving industry.

[tourwithbrett]

M&S Schmalberg Fabric Flowers

I was extra excited for study tour this week. I had been to M&S Schmalberg once before for my internship, but I never got to see the flowers in the order I picked up. Also, the workshop is super close to our apartment, so the morning commute was fantastic!

Our tour guide was both informative and funny. I enjoyed speaking with him. Everyone in the back was also so kind! It seemed like a very tight-knit workplace. They are also the only fabric flower maker left in the city, and it continues to be run as a family business.

After he talked us through the history and answered some questions, we got to go in the back where the flowers are made. The coolest part, in my opinion, was the fact that these machines were so old and still in use. It seemed like they were truly honoring the craft. It was exciting to see orders being made for fashion houses, ones that hopefully we will be able to recognize out in the world in the future. It felt like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into another aspect of the industry!

I loved this study tour! I feel like my time here in NYC has been so fantastic to see the inner workings of the industry— and so far, I love it!

[studytour2024]

This week, our class had the honor to visit M & S Schmalberg Custom Fabric Flower Manufacturers. They are the only physical store manufacturer left in New York City. Working with clientele worldwide, they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Not only did we get to hear about the company, we got to go behind the scenes to see how the flowers are produced, which surprisingly hasn’t changed much over the past century, still using heavy metal molds from generations ago. I found it fascinating as to how they can use most materials to create their flowers, as well as repurposing fabrics from old garments to create new ones. If I have the chance before I leave, I’m definitely making a lot stop back here!