Rare Look Inside M&S Schmalberg, NYC's Last Custom Fabric Flower Factory

What do Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Crazy Rich Asians all have in common? Tucked away on the 7th floor of a building in the heart of the New York City Garment Center is a century-old business that has created fabric flowers for everyone including A-list celebrities and film & television productions. Now's your chance to visit the historic facility where they're all made, one individual flower at a time.

Join New York Adventure Club for a private exploration of M&S Schmalberg, a fourth-generation family-owned business in Manhattan's Garment District that has been hand-making custom fabric flowers for over 100 years.

Led by one of the company owners, our unique experience with the last custom flower maker in New York City will include:

• An overview of the artificial flora industry, and how fast fashion and offshoring have affected the niche fashion craft
• The history of M&S Schmalberg, from brothers Morris and Sam Schmalberg starting the business in 1916, to becoming the premier fabric flower makers for top fashion designers including Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and Marc Jacobs
• A private tour of the historic factory to see the fabric flower process from beginning to end — from cutting out the fabrics in a myriad of different designs, to hand assembling petals into tulips, carnations, or other varieties
• A live demonstration by the company's veteran artisans of the century-old cutting machines and custom-made hydraulic presses still in operation

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to shop for your own custom-made M&S Schmalberg fabric flowers (at a steep discount), and even go home with a stylish piece of history!

Click here to read a featured article of M&S Schmalberg in The New York Times!

See you there!

*This experience is only conducted on weekdays when the factory is in operation

**Guests are encouraged to bring photos of clothes or dresses they want to pair with a fabric flower so the M&S Schmalberg staff can assist with finding the perfect match after the tour concludes

Testimonials

"The event was so much more that I expected! Not only did we get to see the actual steps (and equipment) to make BEAUTUFUL silk flowers, but we got to hear about a family’s history and how the business came to be. I learned so much. Walking home last night, I passed a store on the UES than had some silk (or otherwise) flowers strewn in its window. Thanks to the instruction from Adam Brand, I was easily able to identify them as NOT M&S Schmalberg’s flowers. I didn’t realize how many of their lovely flowers I’ve already seen on favorite TV shows and runways and galas. Thank you!" -Linda

"The owner giving the tour, the family story, and seeing the workroom. Super interesting." -Kala

"Adam is so passionate about the business, the heritage and present and future. He was fantastic." -Dena

"This was so special! It's rare to see inside a family owned factory like this, especially in NYC." -Justin

"Loved that they took the time to let us into their private workspace. Interesting and beautiful creations!" -Margaret

"Resonate tour and history of a vintage business still operating." -Gabriella

"A rare look inside a historic NYC industry." -Jerry

"The opportunity to see a working factory. Guide had lots of stories about his family and the business and was willing to allow photos." -Meryl

"One of the very best trips I’ve ever taken with you. The machines they’ve used for a hundred years still in use today was fascinating. Completely authentic — workers making flowers as we walked through. A trip that truly surpassed expectations. Nice shopping opportunity at the end too!" -Deb

"Interesting, informative, creative - cool to see behind the scenes action." -Elissa

"Great fun, wonderful people, amazing factory and tour guide. I loved seeing how they take flat fabric and shape lovely fantastical flowers. I love supporting a NY tradition and family." -Lenore

"It was unusual and interesting." -Margo

"Great! Unique, informative, different, very clean premises!" -Frances

"The space was wonderful—to be in a factory where people were working but that was also a store." -Kelly

"Truly unforgettable - amazing inside look at this special place" -Pola

"Adam Brand shared tantalizing history of his family business and what’s not to love about fabric flowers in a rainbow of colors. We were encouraged to roam freely afterwards if we wished to purchase. I love a factory tour, and this was my favorite." -Katherine

"We loved it! Adam was great, very personable and knowledgeable. It was cool to see the process and the finished product." -Maureen

" It was interesting going into a factory and learning how the flowers are made." -Anina

" The owner, Adam, gave a nice history of the company and a good demonstration of the process of making fabric flowers. Very interesting." -Marilyn

" The guide was passionate about the venue, its history, growth and future. The guide brought to life the “hustle and bustle” days of manufacturing in NYC to the current e-commerce way of life. It was a great experience to see this form of art/accessory come to life in the hands of skilled artisans." -Jacquie

" Great to see a really unique part if NY city and a creative small business thriving!" -Christine

" It was interesting to hear about the history and process and the flowers themselves were just lovely." -Deborah

" Like that the owner receive the group, and personally tour te attendance" -Zulma

Please thank everyone at M & S for us! It was a wonderful visit. A real behind the scenes experience! Adam is so personable." -Tammy

" I learned so much during the tour. It was very informative and we got to see firsthand how the fabric flowers are made and processed. The owner allowed pictures and videos to be taken. He was very welcoming." -Maria

" The personal stories, and hands on tour of the facility" -Kim

" Learned about the process in making flowers we were all intrigued" -Ginger

"It was a peek inside an old school, family run factory in the garment district - we learned so much!" -Erika

" I had no idea how flowers were made. The collection of the old dies is amazing and the old machines that have to be maintained too. It seems like a good place to work." -Karen

" I liked everything! I will be back, since I’m local." -Kathrine

" I liked seeing the flowers being handmade" -Tamara

" Everything! The factory was fascinating and I bought WAY too many flowers for projects at home. I highly recommend this tour." -June

"Everything was wonderful - fun, informative and gives me great ideas about how to incorporate flowers in my life... I will come back and shop again in the future.. I liked getting to see how the flowers are made, and to hear the history of this family and their business. I really appreciate how generous Adam was with his time and sharing the workshop. In fact, all the people there were so kind and helpful! It was a delightful experience... thank you, as well, NYC Adventure Club - I really appreciate the variety of experiences you offer!" -Patricia

"Interesting look at a rare industry. Gratitude for the company's extending access." -Lani

"Fabulous experience! Adam was terrific in his presentation on the history of fabric flowers and giving the tour of the factory. I LOVED THE VISIT!!" -Lorraine

"The presenter (Adam), the friendly helpful staff, the ability to see and choose from all of the flowers, the location... I only bought one today but I feel like I bought a true treasure. I'm already looking at their online inventory.? Great Experience! I recommend it highly for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and NYC history." -Catherine

" It was very interesting! And so cool to see something so old and unique" -Emily

" Being able to see all the steps of production, up close, while learning the history of this company in NYC." -Merle

" We loved this tour - especially the company and family history - and the chance to shop for flowers at the end. It was excellent." -Karyn

" Getting to know the family history of this particular firm made this visit extra special for me. The Holocaust surviving grandfather of the current owner, whose photo gazes down upon the workroom floor, adds a reminder of how despite horrific haunting tragedies inflicted upon him he was miraculously able to overcome so many daunting obstacles and achieve the American Dream. The ingratiating staff and their stunning array of gorgeous flowers really wows one! It was a unique experience for me, and I've been around for several decades and experienced many unusual visitations." -Rebecca

"Very informative, comfortable atmosphere to ask any questions. Very friendly, relaxed atmosphere, highly recommended!!!" -Jordan

"Wonderful host. Fascinating tour. Far exceeded expectations." -Jadine

"Personal and historical info from one of the owners, access to work floor and stock, attention to each participant, opportunity to create your own corsage." -Kesiah

"Great to hear the history of a storied NY institution from the family that runs it. Fun to see behind-the-scenes and meet the people who're crafting these fabulous flowers." -Sarah

"The personal history of the business, and of course the ability to buy flowers!" -Rebecca

"Very interesting to learn the history of the industry and fun to see how the flowers are made." -September

"Totally FABULOUS adventure!" -Patrizia

"Adam was excellent--knowledgeable, enthusiastic, & more than willing to answer every question!" -Dee

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Categories: In-Person, Factory & Facilities Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club