Downtown’s Elizabeth Street Garden, supported by A-listers like Robert De Niro and Patti Smith, was featured in New York Fashion Week as the site of the Libertine show, emphasizing the importance of preserving the green space. Models walked the runway to Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” while carrying garden tools and seed packets were left for guests. Designer Johnson Hartig held up a sign reading “Save the Garden” at the end of the show, expressing the urgency of the situation as the space is set to be demolished on September 10 to make way for affordable housing and office space.
Fashion designers have long admired the Elizabeth Street Garden, with shows by Kate Spade, Stella McCartney, and Cynthia Rowley previously taking place there. The garden represents a unique green oasis in the city that has garnered support from various influential figures, including a letter from Patti Smith to Mayor Eric Adams urging the protection of public art and green spaces in New York City for future generations. Smith also hosted a protest concert in the garden to raise awareness about the impending demolition.
Despite the vocal opposition and protests, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development has confirmed that the demolition will proceed as scheduled on September 10. The project is intended to replace the 20,000-square-foot garden with 123 units of affordable housing for the elderly. The mayor has the power to veto the project and halt construction before it begins, providing a potential avenue for saving the garden from destruction.
The Fashion Week protest at Elizabeth Street Garden highlighted the intersection of fashion, art, and environmental activism, showcasing the importance of preserving green spaces in urban environments. The event brought together prominent designers, models, and artists who expressed their support for the garden through creative means, such as walking the runway with garden tools and incorporating environmental themes into the show. The fashion industry’s involvement in the preservation efforts reflects a broader trend of using art and creativity to advocate for social and environmental causes.
The inclusion of the garden in New York Fashion Week activities drew attention to its impending demolition and sparked a conversation about the importance of preserving green spaces in urban areas. The high-profile nature of the event, with celebrities and designers lending their support to the cause, increased public awareness and generated momentum for the preservation efforts. The garden’s unique combination of art, nature, and community space has made it a beloved landmark in the city, prompting calls for its protection from redevelopment and advocating for sustainable urban planning practices.
As the deadline for demolition approaches, the fate of Elizabeth Street Garden hangs in the balance, with advocates continuing to push for its preservation. The garden’s supporters, including influential figures from various industries, are calling on Mayor Eric Adams to intervene and protect the space from destruction. The fashion industry’s involvement in the preservation efforts has raised the profile of the issue and emphasized the cultural and environmental significance of the garden, underscoring the importance of preserving green spaces in urban environments for future generations.
