#customflowers

History of M&S

Over 103 years ago, M&S Schmalberg opened its doors in New York City’s Garment District. From street level storefronts and multi-story factory operations, custom fabric flowers by M&S Schmalberg have been hand-made in New York City for apparel, bridal, accessory, millinery and home furnishing products since 1916.

The business was first started by brothers, Morris and Sam Schmalberg. Their nephew, Harold Brand began working at the factory at the age of 17. Harold survived WWII, when his American relatives helped him move to New York. In time, Harold learned the family business and eventually inherited M&S Schmalberg—which has always been a Garment District business.

Warren Brand, current President of M&S Schmalberg has been making flowers for over 40 years.  His sister Debra Brand joined the business shortly after.  As Harold got older and eventually passed away, the two of them took on more and more responsibility.  In 2008, Warren’s son Adam joined the company, making it a 4th generation family business.   Sadly in July of 2019 Debra passed away after a long battle with Lupus.  

When Morris and Sam Schmalberg started the business in 1916, the Garment District was a neighborhood that produced 75% of all women’s and children’s apparel in the United States. In the 1940s there were dozens of “flower guys”. Through the years that number went down to 10 and today, M&S Schmalberg is the last of its kind in America.

With much of American manufacturing moving overseas, M&S Schmalberg’s business has drastically changed over the past 10 years. Focusing on specialty work, custom and large production orders, M&S Schmalberg continues to sustain its fabric flowers business, in hopes for the next generation and beyond.

Located at 242 West 36th Street, the Garment District is still made up of fashion blocks. From M&S Schmalberg, artisanal silk flower makers, fabric stores to leather makers, and top designers in New York City, like Carolina Herrera and Ralph Lauren. Making custom artificial flowers in New York City’s Garment District is truly special, as each flower is still hand-made with a tried and true quality that cannot be matched.  

Experience in M & S Schmalberg

Today, I went to M&S which was nearby my home for my class tour. First that I could see when I opened the door was logo of the brand, made with variety of colors and sizes of flowers, frames with pictures that seems to be their works, and a dress with a mannequin which was also made up with pink flowers. The whole part of interior make me think the company fully focused on the flowers.

Adam, who seems to be the top manager in the factory told the company’s history, which he said that the company has the history of 4 generations. In addition, he showed us the works that he collaborated with the high-end company like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Buberry, Dolce & Gabbana and many other celebrities. The photo I uploaded above is the dress they custom-made, ordered by Marc Jacobs. I was shocked that they had not been paid much by Marc Jacobs, and Adam explained that because the dress were not for sale, just for the show. I asked him about How other company make contacts with them and Can anyone order custom-made flower here. He answered that because of the history, people know and contact from others who previously had works with the factory, and in terms of the customer, he told that he welcomes not only the high-end brands, but also for individual customer, which made the factory steady till today. After the short talk and some questions, he showed us the factory’s real back environment. I really loved and inspired by the flowers and the process that the artists working with flowers. Especially because back in Korea, I had been to Chanel Lesage pop up which is a small factory that Chanel own for their accessories and I really loved there. And M&S was quite similar to them and I am planning to do something similar with my graduation fashion show. 

Welcome to Nashville Flower Market, the most unique place to buy wholesale flowers in Nashville, TN. We are very passionate about providing our customers with beautiful and fresh flowers. Our staff aim to make every experience an unforgettable and positive one. Our wholesale selection is great for any event and our affordable pricing is what makes us stand out from the rest!

Some of our services include:

Wholesale Flowers

Floral Design Classes

Wedding Rentals

Bulk Flowers

Custom Flower Orders

Flower Arrangement Assistance

Nashville Flower Market offers a full array of fresh flowers for all types of events. We work around your schedule by opening at a later hour so that you are able to visit us at your convenience. Whether you are interested in taking a floral design class, a DIY bride, or you are planning your next event, allow us to assist you with superior quality service. Visit us at Nashville Flower Market today for an experience that is unparalleled!