GRUNGECAKE

Tag: New York

  • New York enacts groundbreaking paid prenatal leave law

    New York is now the first state in the country to mandate paid leave specifically for prenatal care.

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    In a significant step forward for parental rights and workplace equity, New York has enacted a new law granting paid prenatal leave for expecting mothers. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the legislation into law on Friday, marking another progressive milestone for the state in supporting working families. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, offering a new layer of support for mothers-to-be across New York.

    A nation-leading policy

    New York is now the first state in the country to mandate paid leave specifically for prenatal care. This groundbreaking policy allows expecting mothers to take time off work to attend vital prenatal medical appointments without risking their income. Under the new law, employees will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave to accommodate prenatal health needs, which is in addition to the state’s existing paid family leave benefits.

    The paid prenatal leave initiative aims to reduce stress and promote healthier pregnancies by allowing women to prioritise their medical care. It also underscores New York’s commitment to gender equity in the workplace by addressing a critical gap in parental leave policies.

    Championing maternal Health

    Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of the law in her remarks, stating, “This is about ensuring every expecting mother has the support she needs to have a healthy pregnancy. We’re leading the nation in recognising that prenatal care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

    The legislation aligns with growing advocacy for better maternal health outcomes in the United States, where maternal mortality rates have raised alarms in recent years. By enabling pregnant employees to take paid leave for prenatal care, New York is addressing barriers to access, such as financial constraints or rigid workplace policies, which often prevent women from receiving adequate care.

    Support and criticism

    The law has received widespread praise from maternal health advocates, labor unions, and women’s rights organisations. Groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union and the National Partnership for Women & Families have lauded the move as a transformative measure to support women and families.

    However, some business groups have expressed concerns about the potential financial burden on employers, particularly small businesses. Critics argue that the policy could lead to increased costs and logistical challenges for companies already navigating New York’s existing paid family leave requirements.

    How it will work

    The new policy will be integrated into the state’s paid family leave system, which is funded through employee payroll contributions. Expecting mothers will need to provide documentation from their healthcare providers to qualify for the leave. The benefit will be available to full-time and part-time employees who meet the eligibility requirements under the state’s paid family leave program.

    The law’s phased rollout gives businesses time to adapt, and state officials plan to provide resources and guidance to help employers comply with the new requirements.

    A step toward broader change

    New York’s paid prenatal leave law could serve as a model for other states. Advocates hope the policy will spark a national conversation about the importance of comprehensive leave policies that address the unique needs of parents and families.

    As the law’s implementation date approaches, New York will likely face close scrutiny from policymakers and advocates nationwide. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for similar legislation in other states, further advancing the cause of maternal health and workplace equality.

    For expecting mothers in New York, this law represents not just financial relief but also the promise of a healthier and more equitable future.

  • Banana Republic opens flagship store in SoHo, New York City

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    Banana Republic, a Gap Inc brand, unveiled its revitalised New York City flagship store. Located in the heart of the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, at 552 Broadway, between Prince and Spring Streets, the space has been redesigned in collaboration with renowned architect and interior designer Noa Santos, of NAINOA, and creative advisor Jacqueline Schnabel as a premium expression of Banana Republic.

    Featuring an elevated store design and retail experience, architecture and art become an immersive surround sound for the brand’s fashion and home collections. Shoppers are invited to discover Banana Republic’s high-quality women’s and men’s ready to wear and accessories—from sustainably sourced cashmere to European flax linen to exclusive vintage pieces from the Banana Republic archives. And new to the SoHo store is the addition of BR Home, including furniture, lighting, and other home goods.

    The store will also offer a range of premier services designed to enhance the Banana Republic shopping experience, from custom tailoring and personalised concierge and styling services. Spanning 17,000 square-feet and two stories, the store is a cultural curation of the brand’s ethos of modern exploration – from art and sculptures, to books and decor.

    Gap Inc. Creative Director Zac Posen shared, “It was a special experience to collaborate with Noa Santos, Jacqueline Schnabel and the in-house Banana Republic team to curate an incredible SoHo Flagship experience that celebrates the brand’s heritage with a modern point of view through immersive experiences across fashion, art, global culture and more.”

    A reflection of the brand’s elevated aesthetic rooted in rich storytelling and exploration, the store boasts luxe materials like travertine, brass and Venetian plaster, and an incredible array of art and artistry, including an installation by Mexico-based artist Angela Damman, known for using sustainable handmade textiles made from regenerative native plant fibers. Throughout the store, customers will find a variety of other artworks that will be rotated seasonally in partnership with Schnabel – the first of which includes a bespoke chair, wall hanging artwork, and hammock displayed amid lush greenery in the entry area and windows.

    Self-expression comes to life at the Banana Republic SoHo store where premium lifestyle and personalised shopping experiences span two floors.

    First Floor Highlights:

    The first floor showcases women’s collections and accessories, offering a seamless shopping experience for linen, cashmere, denim, occasionwear, and soft dressing from day to night. Additionally, the floor features suiting, art, and global artisan products.

    Exclusive Banana Republic’s vintage surplus offerings from the ’80s and ’90s are available for purchase, ranging from $55 to $1,200.
    Further storytelling is in the BR Classics Cashmere section, where guests can experience our products and learn about our sustainability-focused brand story. The rotunda designed by Angela Damman, features a one-of-a-kind chandelier, anchoring the first floor with travel, discovery, and maker stories.

    Jacqueline Schnabel hand-picked beautiful items for purchase, including books on travel, food, art, music, architecture, interior design, pottery from BR Home and Cote Bougie scented candles from Morocco.

    Second Floor Highlights:

    The second floor includes men’s collections and accessories include leather, suede, denim, linen, cashmere, occasionwear, and a suiting shop with on-site tailoring services. It also features the BR Home Penthouse Apartment and Banana Republic Bespoke Services.

    The BR Home Penthouse Apartment is a three-room space that serves as the first BR Home showroom in New York City. The BR Home Design Studio is an interior design styling service led by expert stylists from Banana Republic’s Home team, available by appointment.

    Banana Republic Bespoke Services offers personal styling, tailoring and alterations, gift boxing, local delivery, and more. Customers can also book a VIP room for special events. Exclusive to the SoHo flagship, on-site product embroidery allows garments to be customised with a monogram, message, or motif, creating unique heirlooms.

    Artwork featured throughout:

    Hand-carved wood sculptures by Chuck Manion and Jonathan Shlafer;
    Art sculptures by Vince Skelly and Jinsik Yoo;
    Photography by McDermott & McGough and Jessica Craig- Martin;
    Ceramics by Brooklyn artist Jane Yang D’Haen known for designs inspired by her Korean heritage; and
    Paintings by Roland Allmeyer, Nobuyoshi Araki, Michael Campbell, Jesse Edwards, Phoenix Falcon, Rhys Gaetano, Jessica Craig-Martin, McDermott & McGough, Peter McGough, Lola Montes, and Gary Tenenbaum.
    *Inquiries for purchasing any of these pieces can be made in-store.