NEW YORK, NY October 21, 2009 —Hundreds of fashion designers and textile workers rallied today under the giant sculptural needle and button that mark the heart of midtown's Garment District. They're concerned that commercial pressure on landlords and competition from abroad are squeezing life out of the area. Designer Nanette Lepore said the garment district gave her a leg up two decades ago. "I could not have built my business without the help of the small factories, cutting rooms, pleaters, and fabric showrooms in this neighborhood," she said at the rally today.

But over the past decade, the number of fashion businesses has declined rapidly. The City Planning Commission is now considering zoning changes to allow other kinds of development in the area.