In the early 19th century, beef was not widely available on the east coast — and its relative scarcity made it something of a status symbol. In 1832, a savvy New York milliner named Jacob Krausenfrome began crafting women’s hats from strips of specially dried and seasoned beef. They were an instant hit among wealthy women, and soon edible shoes, belts and purses began to be crafted from this “fashion beef”. The trend was not to last, however, as westward expansion and railways soon provided ample supplies of meat, and the presige of wearing it quickly wore off. The term “fashion beef”, however, continued to be used in the Garment District for decades after, as a kind of general shorthand to refer to leather accessories or trim. Many businesses, like this frankfurter merchant, also use the name.

In the early 19th century, beef was not widely available on the east coast — and its relative scarcity made it something of a status symbol. In 1832, a savvy New York milliner named Jacob Krausenfrome began crafting women’s hats from strips of specially dried and seasoned beef. They were an instant hit among wealthy women, and soon edible shoes, belts and purses began to be crafted from this “fashion beef”.

The trend was not to last, however, as westward expansion and railways soon provided ample supplies of meat, and the presige of wearing it quickly wore off. The term “fashion beef”, however, continued to be used in the Garment District for decades after, as a kind of general shorthand to refer to leather accessories or trim. Many businesses, like this frankfurter merchant, also use the name.