Board Member Spotlight: Tanya Meléndez-Escalante

Tanya Meléndez-Escalante, a SoHarlem Board Member, receives the 2026 Vilcek Prize for Fashion & Culture for her design of meaningful exhibitions and programs that reveal the hidden diversity of fashion styles and talent from across Latin America.

SoHarlem Collaborates with Costume Designer Niiamar Felder for the Premiere of Sally: A Solo Play

SoHarlem has once again partnered with Costume Designer Niiamar Felder for the upcoming production of Sally: A Solo Play. Written by award-winning playwright Sandra Seaton, and directed by Hannah Ryan, the play centers the narrative on the life of Sally Hemings. The production premieres at the Wharton Center (February 19–21), starring Sabrina Sloan, widely known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. (Pictured above: Javier working closely with Niiamar during a fitting for Sabrina’s costumes. Below: Scenes from the live production.)

Above Images by Jacob Giampa courtesy of Wharton Center

SoHarlem in the Spotlight Javier Valencia on BronxNet

Our very own Designer-in-Residence, Javier Valencia, recently sat down with Rhina Valentin on BronxNet for an exciting interview about his creative journey and latest work. The segment featured a mini-fashion display, showcasing Javier’s designs in action. Pictured above (from left to right) are Javier alongside his talented models: Carlos A. Nazario, Vilmar, Val, and Karee. It was a special moment for the SoHarlem community, celebrating craftsmanship and local talent with a wider community. Click here to view the interview on BronxNet.

Thanking Emmily De Los Santos and Marie “Puck” Meunier for Their Service

We are highlighting two incredible board members who recently moved on to their next chapters. The above photo from our First Annual and Residency at the Malt House, Marie Meunier—aka "Puck" greets Founder Janet Rodriguez and Emmily De Los Santos. In a beautiful display of our community's talent, all three are wearing designs by Blue Olive and Javier Valencia, with Emmily showcasing a ReCouture piece. Emmily served as Board Secretary for 10 years, and we are incredibly grateful for her long-standing dedication to the SoHarlem family. 

Puck served for seven years as Board Treasurer. In the photo below, she is seen with our Designer-In-Residence, Javier Valencia. Their connection runs deep, as Puck mentored Javier during her time as a creative executive at Koos and Co.

SoHarlem Winter Window Features Our Women Designers

This month, our storefront window proudly features the exquisite work of three talented women designers from the SoHarlem collective. The centerpiece of the display is a stunning, intricate headdress that captures the spirit of Donna Drew’s signature style. She is the founder of Triangle Designs.

Gladys Perez beautifully handmade Kimono, crafted from authentic textiles sourced from the Salta, an indigenous community of Northern Argentina. To learn more about Gladys click here.

Far right, Olivia Smashum’s elegant mesh floral maxi dress, perfectly accessorized with a unique, upcycled neckpiece by Gladys Perez. Olivia is the founder of Blue Olive.

We welcome you to visit the our Shop to view featured pieces and other designs.

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