For such a shadowy, gray part of New York City, the Garment District has lots of lovely architectural ornaments—especially of animals.
One example: these terra cotta peacocks, which sit above the freight elevator entrance at 135 West 36th Street.
They’re part of the Fashion Tower, a 17-story neo-Gothic structure just west of Sixth Avenue designed by Emery Roth in 1922.
Why peacocks, a bird that symbolizes immortality and renewal?
“Peacocks are a traditional symbol of women’s fashion, often appearing as ornament on women’s fashion boutiques,” the terrific site skyscraper.com tells us.
The Fashion Tower has more decorative elements worth a look.
The sixth floor facade features friezes of a woman looking in the mirror and another holding a spindle.
They’re homages to the industry that gave the neighborhood its name.
Tags: animals on New York City buildings, Emery Roth architect, Fashion Tower, Garment District Buildings, Garment District street, midtown street, peacocks on Fashion Tower, West 36th Street
Ephemeral New York 
July 18, 2013 at 3:22 pm |
I spotted these peacocks several years ago and painted them. Wonderful terracotta details. http://sjfnewyork.blogspot.com/2011/02/fine-feathers-in-garment-district.html