FASHION FACTS

By Sue McAllister

Feb. 23, 1997 12 AM PT

Value of L.A. County apparel manufacturer shipments in 1996: estimated $8.5

* How L.A. ranked nationally in value of apparel shipped: 2

* How L.A. ranked nationally in number of apparel-industry employees: 1

* Apparel-related businesses located in the 56-block fashion district new downtown: 3,300

* Estimated number of workers employed by apparel manufacturers in L.A. County: 112,400

* Average hourly wage earned by L.A. County garment workers: $7.55

Source of apparel industry figures: L.A. Economic Development Corp.