New York City fashion decline highlighted by designer Joseph Abboud

Veteran menswear designer Joseph Abboud, a Boston‑born former Ralph Lauren employee, says New York City has lost its status as the world’s fashion capital. He attributes the shift to the COVID‑19 pandemic, which forced many men to work from home in pajamas and led to a rise in casual office attire such as shorts and T‑shirts. Abboud notes that once‑bustling department stores like Saks, Bergdorf and Barneys have largely closed, leaving only a handful of locations.

Abboud plans to revive the city’s style by drawing on archive pieces, pairing classic suit jackets with modern garments like cargo pants and cashmere turtlenecks. He criticizes the current market for over‑priced luxury items and urges consumers to invest in a single high‑quality suit rather than multiple inexpensive pieces.