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Tim Gunn, Michael Kors Rename Seventh Avenue After 'Project Runway'

By Heather Grossmann | January 13, 2010 6:41pm | Updated on January 13, 2010 6:39pm
Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn.
Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn.
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NYC&Co.

By Heather Grossmann

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Tim Gunn joined famed designer Michael Kors and other fashion luminaries to rename Seventh Avenue "Project Runway Avenue" on Wednesday in honor of the reality show's return to New York City.

The temporary street renaming — and a proclamation deeming Thursday "Project Runway" Day — are part of a continuing attempt by the city to resuscitate the ailing garment industry.

"New York City is the fashion capital of the world, and we welcome Project Runway back to its hometown," Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber said at the event.

"'Project Runway' is an incredible show that highlights some of the most exciting and promising new talent in the fashion business, and that's a great compliment to the city's work to support growth and innovation in the sector."

Lieber is working with the city's Economic Development Corporation and the Fashion Center BID on Fashion NYC 2020, an initiative designed to bolster business in the garment center following the fashion industry's shift to overseas manufacturing.

On Monday evening, Macy's C.E.O. hosted a private dinner with fashion insiders like Diane von Furstenberg and president of the Fashion Center BID Barbara Randall to help kick off Fashion NYC 2020.

The mayor's office said that the program is still in its nascent stages.

City officials are happy that "Project Runway" has returned to New York after filming its sixth season in Los Angeles.

"New York City and the Fashion District represent the best and most creative elements of the global fashion industry, so we are excited that 'Project Runway' has come home to its rightful place," Barbara Randall said at Wednesday's street renaming ceremony.

The show's production has significantly contributed to the city's economy, according to a press release issued by NYC & Co. New York City’s fashion and fashion retail industry employs more than 175,000 people.

The seventh season of "Project Runway" will premiere on Lifetime at 10 p.m. on Thursday.