4 Local-Design Phenoms You Need To Know Right Now
It may be our competitive side (okay, that's definitely it), but we get a real thrill out of discovering new talent before the rest of the world — and for us, those discoveries are the most meaningful when the talent is homegrown. There's an undeniable feeling of pride and camaraderie when a gifted creative from our community makes it big, or is teetering right on the brink of doing so.
Since sharing (or, ahem, bragging about) the accomplishments of the DMV's most talented is just as satisfying as finding them, we put together a handy list of the awesome, local designers you need to know now. These are people who've already made some ripples in the style biz (from window displays at Saks to editorial spreads in Vogue) and are repping our little corner of the fashion frontier with gusto. So, click through to discover the short list of names you need to memorize if you want to be an expert on D.C.'s budding design scene.
The designer: Bishme Cromartie
The wares: Women's dresses and separates with gorgeous architectural details
How have your surroundings and growing up in Baltimore influenced your work?
"I think growing up in Baltimore plays a huge role in my work, from the neighborhoods I grew up in to the random inspiration I get from just simply walking around. Baltimore, to me, has a bold but beautiful and artistic feel, and I'd love for my garments to exude that same feeling."
Where do you find inspiration for new concepts?
"I am normally inspired by nature, music, all forms of art, buildings, and, strangely enough, cartoons. I can find myself just in an emotion that I want to express, or even a story I want to tell through my garments. For new concepts, I try not to look for inspiration but allow inspiration to find me. My current collection that I will be showcasing during New York Fashion Week tells a story of a woman who is fighting back and protecting herself from the problems in her life. Basically, a warrior fighting against negativity. I always try to create a message in my collections."
What type of person do you design for? And on that note, who is your dream celeb customer?
"Bishme Cromartie's customer, without a doubt, is a woman who does not second-guess herself. She wants to catch attention and also adores creativity and femininity. I design for the woman who admires art; she's constantly at events and on the go. I love to make clothes for the women who can be feminine, without over-exposing herself. My dream celeb customer would have to be Daphne Guinness."
Photos: Courtesy of Bishme Cromartie
The designer: Bishme Cromartie
The wares: Women's dresses and separates with gorgeous architectural details
How have your surroundings and growing up in Baltimore influenced your work?
"I think growing up in Baltimore plays a huge role in my work, from the neighborhoods I grew up in to the random inspiration I get from just simply walking around. Baltimore, to me, has a bold but beautiful and artistic feel, and I'd love for my garments to exude that same feeling."
Where do you find inspiration for new concepts?
"I am normally inspired by nature, music, all forms of art, buildings, and, strangely enough, cartoons. I can find myself just in an emotion that I want to express, or even a story I want to tell through my garments. For new concepts, I try not to look for inspiration but allow inspiration to find me. My current collection that I will be showcasing during New York Fashion Week tells a story of a woman who is fighting back and protecting herself from the problems in her life. Basically, a warrior fighting against negativity. I always try to create a message in my collections."
What type of person do you design for? And on that note, who is your dream celeb customer?
"Bishme Cromartie's customer, without a doubt, is a woman who does not second-guess herself. She wants to catch attention and also adores creativity and femininity. I design for the woman who admires art; she's constantly at events and on the go. I love to make clothes for the women who can be feminine, without over-exposing herself. My dream celeb customer would have to be Daphne Guinness."
Photos: Courtesy of Bishme Cromartie
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