Parineeta the Bride
“When I started this, I wanted every bride to have options. Not everyone can go to India to get a wedding dress, and they shouldn’t have to.”
–JULIE CHOUDHURY, BANGLADESH | QUEENS
When Julie Choudhury attended her niece’s wedding, she learned it was difficult for South Asian brides to find custom wedding garments in America. This was a gap she knew she could fill. In 2005, Julie pursued her passion for fashion and opened her first business creating custom wedding looks for Indian brides.
Since then, Julie has added three restaurants to her portfolio, mastering the transition from clothier to restaurateur. She continues to run her business through the pandemic.
Frances Meda (right) assists a customer at Sidney Undergarment Co., c.1970s. Tenement Museum collection
In the 1970s, the city suffered through an economic crisis as it teetered over the brink of bankruptcy. A downturn in industry and an increase in crime made New York City one of the more difficult places to run a business. Despite it all, Sidney Undergarment Company stayed in business, operating from the basement storefront of 97 Orchard Street. First opened in 1963, Sidney Undergarment was run by Sidney and Frances Meda for nearly two decades before closing in 1979 when the Medas retired.
Sidney Meda, proprietor of Sidney Undergarment Co., c.1970s. Tenement Museum collection
Garments for sale at Sidney Undergarment Co., c.1970s. Tenement Museum collection
Presented by:
