NEW YORK — Ping and Bin Yan own BPE Studio, a veteran manufacturer in the Garment District sought out by both high-end designers and emerging sportswear labels alike. The Yans are best known for helping to realize designers’ dreams at BPE Studio, including the once highly successful Marc by Marc Jacobs line that launched in 2001 but is since discontinued. As a testament to the Yans’ close working relationship, Jacobs even attended the couple’s wedding in 1994 (a scrapbook in the back office displays the moment proudly). Ahead of New York Fashion Week, lines from Monse and emerging label We-Ar4 filled the racks, and the space hummed with the putter of sewing and specialty finishing machines. But despite such dream partnerships, BPE Studio is still dealing with setbacks because of unpaid bills from shuttered brands and cash flow not matching up to workflow. And they’re not alone. Garment District manufacturers and designers are still crunched by cash flow problems preceding the pandemic. — Months of reporting went into this because courageous manufacturers first came forward and aired out their hardships in late payments. From there, the story spiraled out until a fuller picture came into light (everyone is kinda impacted here..!) Hope you’ll take the time to read or listen to this story and the others inside. Link in bio, and happy Earth Day ❤️‍🔥🌎