New York City leads the nation with 3,884 design firms with Los Angeles in second with 2,731 design firms and Chicago with 2,358, as WWD reported.
The overall breakdown, from all cities and design categories, reveals that there are nearly 40,340 full-time designers as of last year, which is a 74 percent jump compared to 2000.
We should point out though that Manhattan is not the largest area for growth when looking at all design firms, within New York City. According to WWD, between 2003 and 2012, it was both Brooklyn and Queens that grew far faster than Manhattan.
Just to break it down into some numbers for you, during 2003 to 2012, Brooklyn had a 101 percent gain while Queens had a 45 percent gain. On the flipside, Manhattan increased, but only by about 6 percent
Although specifics were not given as to why New York City topped the list, one may wonder if it has to do with all the support and attention the city provides and gives to the design sector.
Let's explore some of the ventures New York City has done to promote design.
When looking at fashion design, there is the Save the Garment Center that works to "promote, preserve and and save New York City as the world's fashion capital."
The New York City Economic Development Corporation and Capital Business Credit teamed up to help support emerging fashion designers. They joined forces to launch the New York City Fashion Production Fund, which is a $2 million public-private fund that will provide financing to up-and-coming New York City-based designers for production at below-market rates, WWD reported.
Late last year, Ralph Lauren donated $500,000 to underwrite the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, which hopes to strengthen the garment industry of New York City.
Then, to garner attention outside of New York City, there has also been documentaries made.
"Make it in Manhattan" is a documentary directed by James Belzer, who was also responsible for "The Tents" documentary, and works to promote New York City design, fashion and manufacturing.
Share with us why you think New York City tops this list.
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