Once a vibrant and important cornerstone to not only New York but the whole of the United States, the Garment Industry in New York has changed drastically as much of the production focus shifts to cheaper means in other countries. The HBO documentary Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags documents the rise and fall of such a once integral aspect of the United States economy. The docmentary premiered last week on Monday, October 19th at 9 pm exclusively on HBO.

Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags brings to life the vibrant, unexpected history of the Garment District which for many years was the heart and soul of Midtown Manhattan, but is now in danger of disappearing. For thousands of immigrants the garment industry was a path to their American Dream, but today most of those jobs are gone. A microcosm of the economic and social forces transforming our nation over the past one hundred years, Schmatta: Rags To Riches To Rags tells the story of this vanishing industry through the voices of the people who have experienced its highs and lows.

Source: Paul Mittleman