The Story

In Spring 2023, the Harlem Festival of Culture Foundation (Foundation) collaborated with the Harlem Festival of Culture (HFC) and Steve Madden to launch the HFC X Steve Madden Design Challenge (Design Challenge) to celebrate the work of Harlem local creatives and provide them access to mentorship, industry knowledge and career pathways in fashion.

During the two-tiered evaluation process, Design Challenge applicants were narrowed down to five finalists.  Finalists presented their design concepts at the Finale event held on March 8, 2023, and DaQuane Cherry was selected as the winner by a Selection Committee that included Steve Madden executives, HFC Co-Founder Musa Jackson, and Harlem-based fashion experts. DaQuane’s prize included a cash award of $10,000 and a paid 3-month fellowship with Steve Madden, Ltd.  More information regarding the Design Challenge and the finalist submissions is available at www.hfcdesignchallenge.com.

During his fellowship, DaQuane worked with the Steve Madden design team to produce a 3-piece collaboration (Design Challenge Merchandise) showcasing his winning entry in the Design Challenge as well as the vibrancy and creativity of today's Harlem.  The collection brings DaQuane's creativity from the canvas to the streets with signature Steve Madden styles transformed into wearable art.

Steve Madden, Ltd. generously produced a limited production of the Design Challenge Merchandise that was donated to the Foundation. 

Uplifting Harlem’s creative community.