Javier Valencia
Javier Valencia
SoHarlem Designer-in-Residence, established his atelier in 2018 to provide couture garments to his clients. Based on decades of experience, Javier can transform an idea into an actual product with the skill sets that he honed as a pattern maker, designer and seamstress. Javier passes his expertise on to SoHarlem’s trainees and apprentices through regular instruction and guidance.
Javier immigrated from Ecuador to the United States in 1965, settling in East Harlem with his family, where he still resides today. In high school, Javier developed a passion for art and fashion by sewing and experimenting with the deconstruction and construction of garments. He was accepted at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art where he further developed his talents, refined his work ethic and set out to become a designer.
In 1990, Javier began his professional career on Seventh Avenue as a production assistant to the late designer Fabrice Simon, where he was involved every aspect of production. He also worked with Eva Chun, a high-end sportswear brand, with responsibility for manufacturing and delivering all orders to vendors including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. A 20-year run followed with Koos Van den Akker, where Javier began as production manager and worked as a designer for 15 years. At Koos, Javier learned the art of mixing prints, colors and textures to create one-of- a-kind designs.