the hecht sewing machine & motor company is a new york garment district institution--and a family one. first opened in 1920 by morris hecht, an immigrant from gowarzów, poland, it remains a thriving business under the direction of his grandson, steven (his parents, thomas and anita, still work at the store, too).
the store offers sewing machine sales, service and rentals, but it is perhaps their collection of vintage items (sewing machines, cutting instruments, and one-of-a-kind knickknacks) that has ensured this small business' survival for the last nine decades--it is the definitive resource for theater companies, including lincoln center, and film and tv set designers in search of period pieces. and many items have been sold at auction.
i especially like these items and the old wooden boxes...
all photos © anita aguilar
