FEATURE
Baldwin in his Fabric Row store.
Photo by Jessica Griffin.
Best of Philly!
D Baldwin on Fourth A master tailor—and a Fabric Row institution— offers bespoke tailoring, custom upholstery, fabulous fabrics, and even sewing lessons. By Suzanne Dreitein
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aldwin Fabric & Leather owner Larnell Baldwin has enjoyed a long relationship with Queen Village and 4th Street. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he moved to QV in the 1980s and raised his family right alongside his businesses at 755 S. 4th St. Baldwin explains that, early in his four-decade career, “Philadelphia was the mecca for manufacturing. And... there was a time when, in terms of the garment industry, Philadelphia was just
QUEEN VILLAGE QUARTERLY CRIER \\ WINTER 2022
as big as New York.” The city was full of manufacturing companies and designers shaping fashion trends. From the 19th century through the mid-20th century, workers migrated from the South to work here for companies like After Six, Botany 500, and Quartermaster’s. Tailoring was considered a steady profession, with vocational classes offered at several public high schools, including Bok Technical High School and Overbrook High School, Baldwin’s alma mater.
uring his career, Larnell Baldwin has received a lot of accolades. A Hall of Fame Member of the National Association of Fashion Accessories Designers, he received an Award of Excellence in Menswear at Philadelphia Dresses the World in 1988--just before his move to Fabric Row. In 2021, Philadelphia Magazine named him the Best Tailor in the city. The Best of Philly citation reads: “It takes a lot to stand out on a street known for fabrics and tailoring, but Larnell Baldwin does just that. His is one of the rare shops that can create custom leather jackets (along with skirts so fine they’re literally hanging in the Penn Museum) in addition to suiting.”
Baldwin’s work is featured at the Penn Museum.
