Launched on May 17th, 2008 by Enyinne Owunwanne and Michelle Gittens, the Uptwon Emerging Designers Market (UEDM) is Harlem�s newest fashion retail destination featuring a variety of cutting-edge designers of apparel and accessories. The aim is to periodically hold market days where keen-eyed fashionistas can scour the exclusive clothing on offer and meet the vendors who created them. According to their site, UEDM's mission is to�� Underscore the importance of the UEDM as a vehicle for bringing fresh styles and new designers to the public's attention.
� Provide a profitable marketplace and tools/resources necessary (including fashion business workshops and an online community for designers, stylists, models, etc.) for emerging designers to build and expose their product.
� Position the UEDM as an essential resource for Harlem's economic development and provide additional exposure to Harlem based businesses.
� Establish the UEDM as a tourist destination and a must-see attraction for lovers of cutting-edge fashion, affordable styles and affordable accessories.
Every major city should aspire to hold events like this. We need more opportunities for emerging designers to get noticed. I especially love that one of their missions it to raise Harlem�s economic portfolio and exposure to the world. Visit www.uptownedm.com to sign up for their newsletter and learn about their next event. Thanks to Johanna for informing me about this site. :)
Latoya Henry of Memory Lane by Toya and Idyllic4U (Karen Brown) & Metal (Nkrumah Jennings).
Nit Ra Sit & Denise Beckford and necklaces from Mifflin 5.