We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juan Delgado Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juan below.

Juan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Fashion has always been more than fabric — it’s a language of expression, empowerment, and connection. Through Delgado New York and FNO Westchester, I’ve had the privilege of turning that language into a force for good.
One of our most meaningful collaborations has been with Sleepy Coffee Too, a local café and foundation that champions inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

At the Gala for Good, fashion became a bridge — models of all abilities walked the runway in Delgado New York designs, proving that confidence and beauty transcend limits. The night wasn’t just about style; it was about community, courage, and redefining what luxury truly means.

As both Creative Director of Delgado New York and Co-Founder of FNO Westchester, I’ve learned that when purpose meets creativity, fashion transforms lives. Every stitch, every step, and every collaboration reminds us that true style is kindness in motion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Juan Delgado — Creative Director and Founder of Delgado New York and Co-Founder of FNO Westchester. I was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and grew up in Westchester, New York, surrounded by strong, inspiring women in my family who shaped the way I see beauty, resilience, and creativity. They taught me that style isn’t about labels — it’s about self-expression, confidence, and strength.

From a young age, I was fascinated by transformation — how a garment could change not just how someone looks, but how they feel. I’ve always been a dreamer, and I was never afraid of dreaming big. That passion for transformation and storytelling is what ultimately led me into fashion.

Delgado New York is my vision brought to life — a luxury fashion label specializing in made-to-order styles. Every piece we create — from statement blouses to cocktail looks and red-carpet gowns — is designed individually for the client. Our focus is on craftsmanship, structure, and emotion. Each garment is made with intention and precision, creating something that’s as personal as it is powerful.

Through FNO Westchester, which I co-founded with my business partner Colleen Cushman, I’ve been able to extend that vision into community work. FNO Westchester is a fashion and philanthropy platform that celebrates inclusion, creativity, and connection. We bring together local designers, models, and small businesses for runway events that make a difference — showing that fashion can be a bridge, not a barrier.

What sets Delgado New York apart is the heart behind the brand. We don’t mass-produce — we build relationships. Each client’s story becomes part of the design process. The problem I aim to solve is confidence — helping people reconnect with their individuality and see themselves as worthy of being celebrated.

One of my proudest moments was collaborating with Sleepy Coffee Too for their “Gala for Good.” Watching individuals of all abilities walk the runway in Delgado New York designs was deeply moving. It reminded me that luxury means nothing without humanity — that fashion’s real power lies in its ability to include, uplift, and inspire.

At its core, Delgado New York sells more than clothing — we sell made-to-order style, empowerment, and storytelling. My goal is to design pieces that make people feel seen and confident while building a community where creativity and compassion coexist.

For anyone discovering me or my work for the first time, I want them to know this: I come from a place of gratitude, heritage, and unshakable belief in dreams. Everything I do — from my designs to my events — is a love letter to where I came from and to those who believed in me before the world did.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. At the heart of everything I do, my mission is to use fashion as a vehicle for empowerment, inclusion, and storytelling. I want to prove that style can have a soul — that luxury and humanity can exist in the same space.

Through Delgado New York, my goal is to design pieces that make people feel powerful, confident, and deeply connected to who they are. Every made-to-order style I create is about more than aesthetics — it’s about emotion. I want my clients to feel seen, valued, and transformed when they wear something made just for them.

Through FNO Westchester, my mission expands into community. I’m passionate about creating platforms where every type of person — regardless of background, size, or ability — can feel included and celebrated. Our shows aren’t just runways; they’re experiences that unite people through creativity, kindness, and purpose.

Ultimately, my driving goal is to redefine what fashion represents. For me, it’s not just an industry — it’s a language of hope, beauty, and possibility. I want my work to inspire others to dream without limits and to see that purpose and creativity together can truly change lives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I think my story of resilience really begins with my mother. I was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and later grew up in Westchester, New York, in a low-income home where life wasn’t always easy. My mother worked tirelessly to give us a future — sometimes sacrificing her own dreams and well-being so that mine could take shape. Watching her navigate hardship with grace, strength, and unwavering faith taught me everything I know about perseverance.

When we first came to the United States, adapting to a new world wasn’t simple. There were language barriers, financial challenges, and moments of doubt. But even in those times, I held onto one truth: I was never afraid of dreaming. My mother, despite her exhaustion, always encouraged me to imagine something bigger for myself — to see beyond our circumstances.

That resilience I witnessed in her became the foundation of my own. Every setback in my career, every obstacle in building Delgado New York or FNO Westchester, I approached with that same energy — to keep going, to keep believing, and to never let where I started define where I’m going.

Her story became my motivation. The strength she carried is woven into every collection I design and every stage I build. I owe my resilience to her — she taught me that even when the world feels heavy, you can still walk with purpose and dream with courage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Delgadonewyork.com
• Instagram: @Delgado.newyork
• Facebook: Delgado New York
• Other: Instagram @fnowestchester