Public School Uniforms Make a City Hall Debut

LEAD: Mayor Koch presided at the first showing of New York City's new public school uniform yesterday, expressing the hope that the concept would spread throughout the city.

Mayor Koch presided at the first showing of New York City's new public school uniform yesterday, expressing the hope that the concept would spread throughout the city.

Four students from a school in Harlem that will receive the uniforms in a pilot project modeled the ensembles at City Hall as the Mayor coaxed expressions of approval from each of them, their principal and Schools Chancellor Richard R. Green.

'It's not the answer to our problems, but it is a helpful measure to be taken, isn't that right?' he asked of the school principal, Carol Foster, who agreed.

The Mayor said he wanted to try a student dress code to 'instill pride and esprit de corps with the kids.' Donated by Industry Figures

The uniforms are being donated by two garment industry figures,

Emile Tubiana, president of the American European Trade and Exhibition Corporation, and Moe Ginsburg, a Manhattan retailer of men's wear. The students modeled prototypes yesterday and all 408 students are to have the uniforms by January.

Ms. Foster said the parents association at her school - Public School 175/Intermediate School 275, at Lenox Avenue and 135th Street - was already considering uniforms when the Mayor announced his project.

The Mayor said he modified the design of the uniform after receiving complaints that his original concept provided only skirts for the girls. The ensemble now includes slacks, much to the relief of 10-year-old Ava Gaskin, one of yesterday's models. 'It's real cold in the winter in a skirt,' she said.

Boys and girls are to have blue blazers, gray slacks or skirts and white shirts, with red ties for the boys and kerchiefs for the girls. A set with two of each would retail for about $90, Mr. Ginsburg said. The Mayor said he now hoped to solicit someone to donate 408 pairs of black shoes.