SoHarlem: Harlem's Fashion Incubator Championing Equity and Community Empowerment

SoHarlem, a dynamic designers’ studio nestled in the heart of Harlem, has been a powerhouse incubator for fashion designers while providing essential training and opportunities for the Harlem community. With a mission centered around supporting racial equity and employment, SoHarlem is not just about fashion; it’s about fostering sustainable business models that uplift the community.

Photo byPhoto via SoHarlem

Over the years, SoHarlem’s Creative Entrepreneurs have made remarkable contributions to some of the most iconic productions and fashion statements. Their talents have been showcased in the costumes for the Emerald City scene in The WIZ, the upcoming production Proud, and even in custom-made suits and tuxedos for The Iceman Cometh (starring Denzel Washington), Kinky Boots, Hello Dolly, and Motown. These designers bring a rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and craftsmanship to the world stage.

This September, SoHarlem is set to host its first-ever fundraising fashion show as part of its Annual Benefit, I Am SoHarlem. This inspirational evening will be a celebration of fashion, music, art, and cuisine, followed by a weekend-long Pop-Up event featuring SoHarlem’s Designers Collective.

The event will take place at the Harlem Gallery in the Manhattanville Factory District, located at 439 West 127th Street, New York, NY. The fashion show is scheduled for September 12, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by a pop-up series running on September 13, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on September 14, and September 15, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The I Am SoHarlem fashion show will feature extraordinary designs from the Designers Collective, accompanied by live music from South African cellist Thapelo Masita. Set against the stunning backdrop of a factory-turned-gallery with exposed brick walls and high ceilings, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view Don’t Hate the Players, Change the Game, a captivating interview with the legendary Dapper Dan, videography by Creative Entrepreneur Kenny Allen, Harlem Derby pieces by Robert Louis Owens, and a major art piece by Milagros Batista. Host Sponsor Scott Metzner expressed his excitement, stating, “This event marks a major milestone for the Creative Entrepreneurs SoHarlem has been incubating. The Fashion Show is a rare opportunity for SoHarlem's entrepreneurs to share their creativity and celebrate the vibrancy of the West Harlem Innovation Triangle.”

Founded in 2011, SoHarlem has played a pivotal role in transforming the once underutilized Manhattanville Factory District into a thriving business community that employs local residents. The organization has assisted in launching over 25 micro businesses ranging from custom-made couture garments to urban streetwear and fashion accessories.

SoHarlem’s Creative Economy Training Institute, launched in 2017, has trained more than 50 unemployed and underemployed residents, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the fashion industry. Designers in the SoHarlem atelier create and produce their designs locally in Harlem, ensuring top-tier craftsmanship.

As participants in the SoHarlem incubator program, these designers—known as Creative Entrepreneurs—have honed their skills while also developing their business and marketing acumen. SoHarlem provides them with the tools and support needed to build successful and sustainable businesses.