Delgado New York: Living The Fashion Dream

Juan Delgado Martinez, is the innovator, creator, and designer behind the contemporary brand Delgado New York. With designs embodying Juan’s vision of inspiration, individuality, and creativity, he is telling the story of what he calls, “the untold narratives of society.” Since taking the first steps to create his brand in 2022, almost two years later he is ready to take the next leap to bring his sketches into the closets of his loyal supporters.

Born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, for Juan, finding his way into fashion was as simple as looking to his grandmother and the women in his family. “I’ve always been the stylist for my female family members,” reminiscing on how he picked out his grandmother’s church outfit and helped his cousins dress up their Barbies. This initial inspiration would only grow stronger once his family moved from the Caribbean to Westchester, New York. In his later years, he credits art classes in school and even America’s Next Top Model for knowing “this is what I love to do.”

For many, the pandemic was a time of reflection, but for Juan, it was a time to get to work. “I was creating something new every day,” he says, about using his time to explore new inspirations and sketching over 300 designs during the lockdown. To take his creativity to the next level, he credits an iPad. “That iPad changed my life…I am going to frame it one day,” he joyously shares about a tool some may take for granted, but for him, it was a way to bring his designs to life. In his journey, he is also grateful for many people, including Fashion Business Coach, Barbara Sessim, helping him get all the fundamentals to take his passion and create a business out of it.

Photography by Ryan Raphael

As for selecting the name of the brand, Delgado New York, it is an ode to his last name, and adding the Big Apple at the end was simple. “New York molded me into who I am today.” Since launching his brand, Juan has pioneered fashion weeks like Fashion Night Westchester and collaborated with other Latinx designers at New York Fashion Week.

After the success of Delgado New York in editorials worldwide, Juan is now ready for supporters to shop the looks they have been raving about. This Fall, for the first time, Juan will release a collection available for sale at DelgadoNewYork.com. Inspired by his mother’s love for coffee, and honoring the Dominican Republic by naming some of the designs after monumental locations.

One may think Juan has “made it” but as he clarifies, “I just keep going and going,” exemplifying the spirit of the American Dream and the limitless possibilities that come with following one's passion. “It is more than pretty dresses; it is a sense of community,” he emphasizes, adding, “we can all shine together.”