SoHarlem Inc

Incubating Creative Entrepreneurs - Strengthening local artisans through visibility, mentorship, and retail opportunities.ReCouture Workshops: Hosted successful workshops for Met Members, where SoHarlem designers taught participants how to upcycle old garments into bespoke pieces.Cultural Tourism: Creative Entrepreneurs Doris Prester and Debbie Quinones led sold-out walking tours of East and West Harlem, highlighting the "Innovation Triangle," the Factory District, and the rich labor and civil rights history of El Barrio.Innovation Triangle Activation: Partnered with the West Harlem Arts Alliance (WHAA) for a month-long showcase at the Taystee Lab Building.o Noah Ortiz led "no-sew" design demos.o Kenny Allen (Hollywood-Babylon) screened his award-winning film, Dapper Dan: Dont Hate the Players, Change the Game.o Gladys Perez provided live sewing instruction to the public.Met-Inspired Window Displays: * "A Nod to Superfine": Featured Noah Ortiz (Art in Heaven), who showcased an upcycled contemporary Dandyism jacket using materials donated by Dapper Dan, and Walter Joe Dixon (ATASHI), who presented designs featuring exquisite brocade textiles.The Beauty of Home Decor": A collaboration between Olivia Smashum (Blue Olive) and Teniade Morenike Fann (Naija Fly Fabrics). The display featured unique pillows incorporating heritage textiles donated by the late Susan Stauber and Valerie Deas.ILGWU Tribute: Celebrated labor history with a display featuring the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) imprint, alongside West African ethical fair-trade fabrics from Naija Fly Fabrics.Designer Spotlight: Andres Biel (IFLYUNIVERSE): Welcomed back former apprentice Andres Biel as a Guest Artist. Biel, winner of the Harlem Fashion Week Emerging Designer Competition, transitioned from a SoHarlem apprentice (2019-2021) to a successful high-end streetwear designer. In a full-circle moment, he now teaches at the Henry Street Settlement where his journey began.The Designer as Educator: Piloting Fashion's Next Generation We also spotlight Walter Dixon, SoHarlem Design Apprentice and ATASHI Creative Director, and help market his newly launched, Walter Joe Sewing and Fashion Classes at the High School of Fashion Industries.Media Spotlight: Through our communications efforts, Walter Dixon was featured in CanvasRebel, a national magazine dedicated to the stories of visionary creatives and entrepreneurs. Part of the Voyage Group of Magazines, the feature highlights Walters journey and his impact on the Harlem creative community.From Studio to Runway & Stage:o Stage Production: Sewist Margarita Ayala and Designer Javier Valencia were commissioned to create the full costume lineup for Elf The Musical.o Exhibitions: Assisted Gladys Perez in securing a spot in the Threaded Realities exhibition at the Kota Alliance, where she showcased her upcycled millinery works.Designer Hub Membership: Launched an affordable Studio Membership Program ($200$400/year) to provide sustainable workspace and services to local artisans.New Collective Members: Welcomed Imani (Cre8tive Soles 4 U), who specializes in repurposed, individualistic footwear.Designers 2024 Holiday Season was extended at Columbia Universitys Forums until January 30, 2025. This accessible street-level location impacted the designer pop-ups filled with joy, community, and festive gifts.Following designer Javier Valencias appointment as Creative Director for Black Smoke (Shoot for the Stars Foundation), SoHarlem co-hosted a live-streamed Holiday Fashion Show. The event successfully connected our Creative Entrepreneurs with new markets and celebrated the intersection of Harlems music and fashion scenes.