☞ BESPOKE: International Harlem Allure

Harlem has always attracted people from all over but a new international set of residents are now making a big presence uptown.  In the art world, Swiss born Ugo Rondinone will be moving uptown within the next few months or so and will be the most famous artist to be established in Harlem in this modern decade.  On the fashion front, Ethiopian model Liya Kibede (above photo shows the model featured in the windows of the 125th Street H&M last year) has lived a quiet life uptown with her family for several years now even though she is one of today's most established supermodels in the world.

Then there is Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson who is probably one of the most important cultural figures to establish themselves in Harlem in the past decade and has genuinely embraced the neighborhood's rich history. It is also interesting that this new generation has chosen Harlem as their homes during the height of their success as oppose to the start of their career.  Harlem still remains a mystery for many New Yorkers but somehow these expats have discovered the charms of the village located uptown.