I recently returned from the Big Apple. i would go broke if i lived there. Everything you want is all within about 10 square miles...from Gucci to Harry Winston. You will never be able to see it all, buy it all or take it all in. The city has so much and it is overwhelming. Everything for everybody, every culture, and every size and preference is pretty much right here. However, there is a sort of quaint-ness to the hunt for that fantastic outfit, that makes truly the 'shop till you drop' type want to just come to 'The City' just to shop. I was blown away by the sheer choices, bargaining in the markets and wide variety of sizes from plus to the petites! One thing that is most clear, however, though, is that New Yorkers carry themselves differently, with an air of 'I Could care less what you are feeling about my outfit. l am who I am.' Personally, that is exactly what I believe. Be you and do not compromise what makes you different and unique or happy. What makes you different is what is fabulous about YOU and I am way too busy to care about any drama or negativity people chose to bring into my life. How about you? :) In terms of the major fashion houses, almost every designer has their fashion corporate offices here or near Broadway or Ave of the American/ 7th or Fashion Ave ( hence the name.) Walk up and down fashion avenue off 7th near B-way and 36th/37th and many custom tailors and seamstresses are here. They are some of the finest fashion houses in the world. Manhatran is also home to almost all of the top agencies and model management companies there are. Pretty much EVERYTHING is here....I absolutely love NY!!