Hunter Dixon is Not Only Where It's At, But Also They're Made Where It's At: Right Here In New York City!!! Mover and Shaker Jennifer Dixon Talks to Peachy Deegan, who says: "Bravo Hunter Dixon For Pursuing Excellence in Garment-Making and Being Patriotic!!!" 100% of Hunter Dixon Garments are Made in the USA in Manhattan
Jennifer Dixon
This interview is sponsored by Cosmopolitan Dental, official dentist of Whom You Know! Dr. Garo Nazarian is responsible for Peachy's pearly whites:
We are so pleased to kick off Posh People with Mover and Shaker Jennifer Dixon!
Jennifer Dixon as a Mover and Shaker:
As you know, we love Fashion, but not all Fashion. Every shoe fair that Peachy goes to she can tell by the smell of the hotel room in the Hilton if the footwear is cheap and chemical-smelling reeking of China or perfumed fine leather exuding the excellence of Italy. Oooh Amo Le Scarpe Italiane and you know who went to that event with Peachy: Mover and Shaker Jennifer Dixon. We applaud those that truly pursue excellence in all fields and making quality products is of utmost importance to us. It is even more impressive when high caliber products are made in the USA, and even better if they're made in Manhattan. Hunter Dixon produces everything in the Manhattan Garment district. They support the local factories; working with three factories that do samples and production pieces. Their quantities for their blouses are large enough to take abroad, and they may eventually outsource some production. However, it is great being hands out in the Garment district; communication is key with production. They are a small company and if something goes wrong with production they can fix the problem immediately; and are not faced with any surprises when merchandise arrives. Whom You Know gives Hunter Dixon great accolades since they also love supporting New York's garment district and moreover "MADE IN AMERICA". Jennifer is not the only famous American of her family with an entrepreneurial spirit; It comes as no surprise that Thomas Dixon was probably the most dapper dresser of the late 19th century because he is Jennifer's ancestor...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Dixon,_Jr.
Unfortunately for Thomas, Hunter Dixon didn't exist back then and right now we don't think they do men's...but the minute that happens, if it does, we will be telling you!
Patriotic Peachy Deegan interviewed Mover and Shaker Jennifer Dixon, Entrepreneur of Hunter Dixon, on this highly relevant topic in today's economy and today's world of fashion.
Peachy Deegan: We are so proud to know we are supporting a brand that is patriotic. What motivates your patriotism and where is it derived from?
Jennifer Dixon: As an entrepreneur it is important to acknowledge the business opportunities that abound here are not the same around the globe.
You also have English ancestry - tell us about the entrepreneurial spirit of your ancestor please! What would he think of Hunter Dixon would you think?
I know all of my ancestors must appreciate hard-work, persistence...and fantastic clothes!
If we are being honest with ourselves, most of what is in our closet is probably unfortunately not made in America. What does American manufacturing need to do to become competitive in today's fashion world?
As a design house, if you find the right factory here in the garment district, and spend the right amount of time on all aspects of production; the over-all quality of the garment have a high likelihood of being better than garments produced outside of the USA.
What do you like best about being Made in Manhattan?
From a production standpoint; it is great that we can be hands on and trouble-shoot problems immediately. The best thing is being able to support other companies based in the United States and help build the economy locally.
What are the challenges of being Made in Manhattan?
Production expense is the biggest challenge, but with the right relationships and partnerships in the garment district the price works with out margins. We are able to offer a garment that is competitively priced in comparison to our competitors in the contemporary marketplace.
What would surprise people about the garment district?
Buttons, zippers, fabric: all prices are negotiable. Not sure if that's surprising..
What is the funniest manufacturing issue that has ever come up in your career?
There are many miscommunications; we can never be more clear about the construction of a garment when speaking with a factory and handing off something for production. A design packet is always given with a sample, the trims, zippers, buttons, quantities needed and fabric; but there have still been problems. Anything from the front of the dress being sewn as the back, to wrong fabrics being used, zippers and buttons being used in the wrong place. Of course they are "funny" now, but not so much then.
What other fashion brands utilize the garment district as you do and do you consider them competitors? We don't since they're not on Shop with Peachy!
Most of our competitiors, brands that we "hang" with in SAKS, are not made domestically. I think Nanette Lepore may make some pieces here, as well as Marc Jacobs.
Do most brands only produce in Manhattan/America as you do or do some split production with other countries too?
Yes some brands split production between here, India or China.
Are certain garments easier to make in Manhattan than others or is it a level playing field?
The more complicated the design, embellishment or other aspects that make the sewing complicated or difficult to explain; the more beneficial that the garments are made domestically.
Do you think there will ever be great shoemakers in America?
Loeffler Randall shoes are great; I believe they are "shoemakers" from America? Some of their clothing used to be produced in a factory we used in Manhattan. However, I think most of their shoes are now made in Brazil/Italy.
