We hope you and your family are doing well during these challenging times. We’ve used this time to revamp our website with a renewed focus on how better to serve our community and customers. Please visit the newly launched website and tell us what you think.

 

In Memorian

While it’s impossible to list all those we’ve revered and lost to the pandemic, among them were two special friends to SoHarlem.

We mourn the lost of David Driskell whose commitment to preserving the rich heritage of African American visual art and culture as a painter, scholar and educator is unprecedented.  His knowledge and passion for the arts opened many doors for artists, particularly those traditionally excluded by museums and institutions of higher learning.  

David mentored SoHarlem’s founder and provided constant support and encouragement not only to her but to her family. Images: David speaking at SoHarlem Salon; image from his Dancing Angel series;

At the Newark Museum for the opening of Narratives of African American Art and Identity : The David C. Driskell Collection, with Mary Puryear, formerly with Prudential Foundation; Janet Rodriguez, SoHarlem Founder; and Mary James;

and with students at Weequahic High School.
 

Erica Barton Haba, painter, tile and ceramic artist, was influenced first by the painted tiles she saw on the floor of a church in Capri ― the Garden of Eden with every plant and animal an artist could dream up.  

Along with a body of exceptional paintings, Erica created beautiful ceramic work and tiles with glorious glazes. One of our favorite SoHarlem’s storefront windows featured Erica’s tiles.

Erica, born in New York City, studied painting at the Art Students League and at the Academia di Belli Arte in Venice. She helped designed the interior of our first home, Straight Out of Harlem.
 

When we last contacted you we shared that our Collective was busy making masks and gowns for New York City hospitals and for not-for-profits also in need.

Rod Rodgers Dance Company Staff & Dancers Wearing Masks

We are now making our designer masks available to the general public. Click to see more.
 

Maatsan Madel, Former Intern Returns as SoHarlem’s First Studio Manager

We are pleased to announce that former SoHarlem intern, Maatsan Madel, has returned after four years to become our very first Studio Manager.

In his new position Maatsan will oversee and organize the daily operations of the Designers’ Studio where he received his first training in design development, production process, and studio management. He will work closely with his former Designers– Creative Entrepreneurs, Artisans-in-Residence - to keep the shop safe, mentor trainees,  and meet production deadlines.

The journey he’s taken from intern to manager demonstrates all we ask - that our Studio Manager be motivated, meticulous, detail-oriented and passionate about fashion, design, technology and community.

In 2016, Maatsan left his home in the French West Indies for Pace University to study fine art, the goal being to strengthen his visual arts skills and to prepare his portfolio for New York’s most competitive design schools.

Along the way, he discovered SoHarlem where he says he gained invaluable training in the basics of fashion from master artisans, and made lasting connections with others in the industry, including Jane Wilson-Marquis who offered a second internship at Oliver+Jane and its upper eastside store. In collaboration with tailor Oliver Little, he assisted Jane with an entire collection showcased at the Novotel Hotel in Times Square.

After Pace, and completing his portfolio, Maatsan attended the New York Art Studio, and the Fashion Institute of Technology where he trained in draping, patternmaking, drawing, digital design, textiles, fashion history, as well as liberal arts. He earned an Associate in Applied Sciences for Fashion Design.  In addition to managing the Designers’ Studio,  Maatsan will be working on his first collection.
 

New Collective Member Apprentice, Azriel Fernandez,  an 18-year-old artist based in Harlem, is a recent graduate of the High School of Art & Design.  An avid learner, Azriel’s interests keep him busy as he explores illustration, film, music, fashion design, and beauty/FX makeup. The budding designer says, “I like to fuse my art with my own imagination while pulling references from Queer pop culture, Hispanic heritage, and religion. I create art so I can live my art.”
 

We thank Dapper Dan, Harlem’s Fashion Icon, for spending an afternoon at SoHarlem sharing his experiences, knowledge and encouraging our Collective
 

Safe Ways To Shop @ SoHarlem This Holiday Season

Shop With Small Group Friends or Colleagues (our space accommodates social distancing for up to 4-5)

Contact us to schedule a group - virtual or on-site shopping experience

SoHarlem has been busy designing and fabricating elegant home decor, accessories, dresses and more

On-Line Shopping (Orders Mailed or Free No-Contact Delivery)

Shop by Appointment Monday-Thursday 10AM-4PM. Send us an email or give us a call 212 222 2792

Masks Required, Temperatures Taken and Social Distancing Practiced!
 

Your Support

  • Helps us address the lack of diversity in the fashion and garment industries in developing micro-enterprises by providing space, resources, and professional guidance to designers of color;

  • enables us to build a skilled cultural industries workforce that sustains our micro-enterprises and takes advantage of other opportunities in the garment industries; and

  • aides our efforts to provide job placement, livable wages and work opportunities in Harlem.