St. Louis has a rich history in the fashion industry. From the late 19th century until the end of WWII, the city was second only to New York in terms of garment manufacturing.

Washington Avenue once claimed more shoe manufacturers than any other street in the world. In the mid-1950s, the number of clothing manufacturers in St. Louis tripled, thanks in large part to the junior dress category, which got its start on Washington Avenue.

Known today as growing residential and mixed-use neighborhood, Washington Avenue is lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, wedding & event venues, co-working spaces, corporate headquarters, start-up office spaces, and more.