The Garment District has a new beautiful new addition in the neighborhood. Last Monday, the Garment District Alliance unveiled its Big Button sculpture in the heart of the Garment District on Seventh “Fashion” Avenue at 39^th Street, replacing what had been an information kiosk with the public art installation that references the neighborhood’s history.

GDA marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which featured music by Diverse Concert Artists. New York City leaders and members of the Garment District community gathered for the event, including CFDA President CaSandra Diggs, Stan Herman, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Council Member Erik Bottcher, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Kevin D. Kim, and President of the Kaufman Organization and Vice Chairman of the Garment District Alliance Board of Directors Steve Kaufman.

Designed by Local Projects and Urban Art Projects (UAP), the new version of the Big Button is supported by a “thread” element that further articulates its pop art concept. The sculpture stands 28 feet tall with an aluminum button and brushed stainless-steel needle that creates a dynamic experience for pedestrians on Seventh Avenue.

The new Big Button sculpture is the Garment District’s first permanent public art installation. Previous temporary installations by the Garment District Alliance have included work by Chakaia Booker, Kang Muxiang, Del Geist and Patricia Leighton, among other prominent artists from around the world.