train to Wing & Weft
The class took the train together to Wing & Weft, and when we arrived at the building, which is located in the Garment District, the wait for the elevator was too long so we climbed 11(?) flights of stairs to the manufacturing space. As soon as the doors open, I can see rows of gloves made of all sorts of materials. When we were taken to the back and introduced to the various machines, I was awed by their powers and just how much process and effort goes into just a pair of gloves. What was particularly interesting to me was the dying fad of wearing gloves on a daily basis. While we can still find people, specifically the wealthy and royals with gloves, the common population do not seem to think much of this “accessory”.
Wing & Weft office
Wing & Weft office space
I love the part where we were shown the sketches and transfer of design from paper to fabric. Although the spaces were artistically messy, they felt cozy and radiated a warmth that shows how passionate they are about their jobs.
working space
The interns here were quirky and focused on their skill. I initially thought of a large room where rows and rows of sewing machines are lined up and the employees are working like robots, but this turned out to be the complete opposite of that. The office was much smaller than I imagined it to be, which makes the feat of providing gloves for big-name clients an even more impressive feat.
showing how the gloves are pressed
To conclude, although I had to leave early, I thoroughly enjoyed the tour because it gave a glimpse into a world of people who quietly contributed to the dazzle and shine we see on stage. This greatly differs from, say, meeting Broadway stars backstage because those people are still represented on stage
