I Am So Harlem

On September 12, 2024, I participated in the I Am So Harlem Annual Benefit, Fashion Show, and Pop Up Shop, honoring the icon Bethann Hardison, alongside my fellow designers from SoHarlem.

The fashion show featuring inspirational designs from the SoHarlem Design Collective, was

accompanied by live music from South African cellist Thapelo Masita. Additionally, guests

had an opportunity to view Don’t Hate the Players, Change the Game, a captivating mini

doc with the legendary Dapper Dan by one of SoHarlem’s Creative Entrepreneurs, Kenny

Allen. A Harlem Derby installation by Robert Louis Owens and a major art piece by Milagros

Batista were also part of SoHarlem’s celebratory showcased items.

The Fashion Show opened with Adrian Alicea, followed by Zaire Benjamin (Lost Souls)

Gisele Eboma (Surfing Queen), Deirdre Washington (BLHR), Roselyn Grullon (Rosa’s), Tre

Buchannan (MILAN), Mario Miguelito (VoidAYSLUM), Andres Biel (IFLYuniverse), Walter Dixon (ATASHI), Noah Joseph (Art in Heaven), Belkola Vasquez (Belkola), Henry Smith

(TheManHenry House of Tailoring), Olivia Smashum (Blue Olive), and Javier Valencia

(Javier Valencia Designs). Jewelry and accessories were handcrafted by Donna Drew (Triangle Designs LLC).

SoHarlem is a Designers’ Studio in Harlem serving as an incubator for fashion designers,

and training for the Harlem community. SoHarlem’s mission is to support racial equity and

employment in Harlem by incubating creative enterprises that incorporate sustainable

business models.

Photo: Daniel J. Vasquez