Theses Master's

Preservation and The Fashion Industry: Comparative Analysis of Mutual Benefits in New York City and Shanghai

Zhao, Shuya; Avrami, Erica C.

This thesis examines the utilization and investment in heritage sites for fashion shows, with a primary focus on locations in New York City and Shanghai. The fashion industry often commits significant resources in hosting fashion shows at prestigious heritage sites, which subsequently receive considerable economic benefits from such shows.

In the thesis, the motivation of the government, heritage sites, and the fashion industry are explored. Additionally, the thesis delves into the property management practices by both the government and heritage sites for fashion shows. It also explores the process by which the fashion industry selects locations for fashion events and the production of such events. This analysis incorporates case illustrations from around the world. The more in depth case study section focuses on New York City and Shanghai, with New York City examples including the Lincoln Center and New York Public Library, while Shanghai examples feature Taiping Bridge Park and the 800 Show. Each case study assesses material damage and its prevention, economic value, the impact on public access, and social trade-offs associated with hosting fashion shows at these heritage sites. Furthermore, four emerging issues related to hosting fashion shows at heritage sites are identified: material damage, public access, heritage narrative, and the cultural connection between fashion shows and heritage sites.

Heritage sites have become popular fashion show venues, and fashion shows are increasingly held in places where protections may not be anticipating such uses, and these sites might not be adequately prepared compared to larger venues. This research can provide insights for the future use of heritage sites for fashion shows, empowering heritage sites to maximize mutual benefits while minimizing negative impacts.

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More About This Work

Academic Units
Historic Preservation
Degree
M.S., Columbia University
Published Here
June 21, 2023