The fashion industry and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio are officially in the getting-to-know-you phase of their relationship.
Mr. de Blasio introduced himself to the fashion world on Thursday at a Council of Fashion Designers of America event at which seven local manufacturing businesses were awarded grants. At the event, Mr. de Blasio met fashion leaders like Diane von Furstenberg, the council president; Theory’s chief executive, Andrew Rosen; and the council’s chief executive, Steven Kolb, for the first time
Ms. von Furstenberg took the opportunity to make a sales pitch to the mayor on behalf of the industry.
“I really welcome you with open arms,” she said at the event, held in the garment district. “And we will all work for you, and we will all help you. Our industry brings a lot of jobs, our industry brings a lot of tourists, our industry brings a lot of glamour.”
The mayor stood to the side and nodded.
In his remarks, he announced that the deputy mayor for housing and economic development, Alicia Glen, would be his liaison to the fashion industry, and he emphasized that the industry is important to the city’s economy.
“We want to ensure that more of what’s designed in New York is also made in New York,” he said. “I could think of no more powerful marketing tool than the phrase ‘Made in New York.’ ” Then he added, “Maybe made in Brooklyn would be even better. Did I say that out loud?”
Mr. de Blasio also shared a story about his grandmother’s dress business on the corner of 35th Street and Fifth Avenue.
“You’re one of us,” Ms. von Furstenberg interrupted.
“I am,” he replied. “I just didn’t let on until now.”
He also said that his grandmother’s “southern Italian sensibilities from another time would probably be a bit jolted by the styles of today.”
“Not sure,” Ms. von Furstenberg interrupted again.
“O.K., I’m glad you feel that way,” he replied. “What you’re wearing is O.K. She would like that.”
Mr. de Blasio made a point that he was pronouncing Ms. von Furstenberg’s first name “properly” — closer to “Dee-on” instead of “Dye-ann.”
Mr. Kolb said after the event that he is optimistic about the mayor and found him “engaged.”
“And he was funny, right?” he said. “I didn’t know he was funny.”
Ms. von Furstenberg likewise was pleased with the first phase of the charm offensive.
“I love him,” she said. “I love him. I think he’s great.”
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