Colorful peacocks on a Garment District tower

For such a shadowy, gray part of New York City, the Garment District has lots of lovely architectural ornaments—especially of animals.

peacocksfashiontower

One example: these terra cotta peacocks, which sit above the freight elevator entrance at 135 West 36th Street.

PeacockfashiontowercloseupThey’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.

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One Response to “Colorful peacocks on a Garment District tower”

  1. Sharon Florin Says:

    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

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