He designs for all shapes and sizes with exquisite lines and bold color in hand-crafted couture that is charming on and off of the runway. We have our competitive ways but mostly we are just making sure we all do our best. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. On a chilly March evening in Baltimore, friends, family, and local creatives filed into the auditorium of The Walters Art Museum in Mt. By LAUREN BELL Photography by Sean Scheidt. Please enter valid email address to continue. My gown is now at the Maryland Historical Society Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. Q: You have an intrinsic awareness of the womans body and you really embrace and showcase womens curves. As long as youre living, you are developing into the person you are meant to be., During his final moment on the Bravo competition show, Cromartie walked off the runway one last time. In an interview, he revealed what it was like becoming a designer and how he rose to the top: My journey as a designer has been a long and difficult one. Bishme Cromartie Baltimore, Maryland Growing up in a rough neigborhood, designing gave Bishme a form of escapism. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Baltimore Magazine. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I met Bishme through another stylist on a cover shoot for Jill Scott, says Vice. Bishme says his aunt taught him how to sew at 9 years old, she gave him the tools to sew, but now she says, "I didn't teach you this stuff". If interested in purchasing, please make sure to visit the link in my bio. As of 2019, his net worth as per estimation made by various authorized sources can be believed to be around $0.8 million. How you have come into owning your space in fashion and self-taught process? Cromartie stuck to his roots with a blossoming, rose-colored dress inspired by fellow Greenmount native Tupac Shakurs poem The Rose That Grew from Concrete and a room designed to replicate a Baltimore City street. I think his peers gave him validation, and thats why it gives him a great love for the city. A post shared by Bishme Cromartie (@bishme_cromartie) on Mar 16, 2019 at 10:50am PDT. When I first started designingwell before anyone knew about meI was accustomed to designing for any type of body shape. All we can do is listen to what the people want, and people are beginning to see themselves more.My fashion line is meant to inspire and allow people to feel confident about themselves. But its a journey that I am still on and that I am very proud of Im constantly learning new things and I think thats what helps me design the way that I do. Baltimore fashion designer Bishme Cromartie, a Project Runway season 17 contestant, talks about his journey in the fashion world. "Seeing everyone that I wanted to meet, seeing Ciara there, hugging her at the end of the runway was just crazy," he said. Click Apply. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. He spent most of his early days in arough neighborhood of Baltimore. Though Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn are no longer featured on the show as host and mentor, respectively, the creativity of these contestants is sure to wow us. Bishme Cromartie: Everyone always asks if my name is real or is it my stage name, but no, its my real nameBishme Rajiv Patrick Cromartie. Situations like that helped me become the designer I am today., RELATED: Who Is Elaine Welteroth? He learned the basics of sewing from his aunt, and after graduating to a sewing machine, began making clothes for friends and family. Im recruiting members to my fan group to help cheer me on [for the show] so, you will have to tune in on Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo to see lets hope I do good! Shot on location at Baltimore Design School. And as a result, he became a mentor to many of the fashion students, advising them on their designs and techniques. Cover Star Tim Storey Champion of the Underdog & Life Coach to the Stars, Mens Health The Experts Explain the Importance of Stress Relief & What to do to Support Your Mental Health, Celebrating Womens History Month in Los Angeles, The Hottest Looks from Milan Fashion Week, An American Teenage Dream: Paris Fashion Week, Awesome ( & Affordable) Spring Break Getaways. Cromartie, 26, was selected by Vogue as one of three fashion designers to watch from LA Fashion Week 2017, and his work has already appeared on runways, celebrity clients, and in the pages of the world's leading fashion publications. . Stitch by stitch, woven deep into the material of his work is a message. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. On Thursday evening, the . Over the course of the year, in spite of the pressures of Project Runway, Bishme regularly shared his real-life experiences, which afforded the students a local example they could relate to and an idea of what it takes to move forward with ones career. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh, press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection. However, their success was greatly facilitated by the amazingly dedicated faculty and staff and the mentorship of generous role models like Bishme. Bishme Cromartie. I have been studying and nesting in my cocoon, getting ready to blossom. This is in spite of the fact that his work has already been featured in Elle, Vogue, WWD and many other major publications, and many celebrities are wearing his creations. Meet Baltimore Designer Bishme Cromartie. At one point during the show, she sported a custom suit designed by Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie. Joe [toys] because I loved it and it made me happy and by 16, I was going to New York for photo shoots and participating in fashion shows. I think thats what keeps me grounded, humbled and appreciative of my craft. ESSENCE: Is there any special meaning behind your name? I always knew that I would be a fashion designer before I knew what a designer was, I just wasnt sure if people who looked like me could become the type of designer I wanted to be. Bishme Cromartie is yet to be married and is also not dating anyone right now. I design for a person that is loving and caring, but also understands that what shes wearing is more than just a garment. I always saw my mom working really hard and was surrounded with friends who also had great imaginations. Wed have to watch the sheets and things of that nature because he would cut them all up, says his older sister, Chimere Didley. Constructed to build confidence and stand out in a crowd. Whos on your top list of celebrities that you want to dress? I think everything happens in due time, and for him to have gotten on the show served as a catalyst of motivation for him. You hear kids say things like that and, not to say you ignore it, but you dont know if it will actually come true. Thats when I realized this is what he is meant to do, she says. It was really an amazing beginning for Bishme. New Details About The Guest Judge On 'Project Runway' Who's Also BFFs With Kourtney Kardashian, The Shocking Discovery I Learned From An Entire Year Of No Shopping, Mom Explains Why She Wears 'Revealing' Clothes To Pick Up Her Kids From School, I Tried The Bonnet Fashion Trend As A Guy And Hilarity Ensued, Who Is Elaine Welteroth? Copyright 2021 L.A. At first, I wasnt sure how I was going to feel about having a camera around me all-day-every-day; you sort of get used to it and forget that its there, especially when youre creating, the camera is the last thing on your mind. STYLE MagazineDesign & Development By Hatthawaybriggs.com. Before meeting my castmates I was wondering how we would all be or if it would be a constant competitive atmosphere amongst us, but to be honest, we are like a family in a weird, little, competition-world way. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The variety in my clients allows me to play with shapes and design. Its her story., At nine-years-old, my aunt Faye-Dean Lacy taught me how to sew. Both siblings claim they ugly cried when he received the news that he would be on season 17 of Project Runway. Bishme Cromartie's flair for the fashion designing emerged at the ripe age of eight and by nine, he already learned how to sew. Zandy Reich . Im a 22yr old designer who loves fashion :) & all of the images i post will be from my portfolio, And yes i made this stuff :) AGAIN EVERYTHING I POST ARE GARMENTS I MADE FROM MY COLLECTIONS!!!! All Rights Reserved. 49 min; FEB 27, 2019; Chef Cindy Wolf Talks James Beard, Julia Child, and Home Cooking Get a VIP pass to never-before-seen content, exclusive sweepstakes, and much more! According to Vogue, Bishmes attention to architecture sculpts and celebrates a womans body., RELATED: Who Is Simon Huck? It made me feel like I was meant to be a part of this season., Besides the clear connection of hailing from the same state, Cromartie and Siriano also have striking similarities when it comes to designing for all different types of women, empowering clients to feel like their most confident and beautiful selves. New Details About The 'Project Runway' Contestant From Baltimore, Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango, who focuses on writing trending news and entertainmentpieces, Who Is Afa Ah Loo? It was such a surreal experience, Cromartie says later. His goal is to continue opening doors for all people of colorand for hisdesigns to inspire those who may not seethemselves in the fashion industry, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, Cromartie, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, was 8 years old when he started sketching his designs. ESSENCE caught up with one of those bright-eyed design hopefuls, Bishme Cromartiefrom Baltimore, Marylandin the midst of this season as he shared his backstory and opened up about what fuels his passion to win the competition. 2. My aunt taught me around age 9, but I taught myself how to hand stitch. He learned the basics of sewing from his aunt, and after graduating to a sewing machine, began making clothes for friends and family. It wasnt the best neighborhood, but I think being in a rough environment forces you to develop a great imagination that allows you to escape the world that youre in, he says. BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- You may know Bishme Cromartie from "Project Runway," but the Baltimore native is going beyond the screen to make a name for himself . "It was such a surreal experience," Cromartie says later. Where do you see yourself in the future and what can we expect in the next few episodes of Project Runway? Elizabeth Way, associate curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, is guest curator of the exhibition. Architect and creator, the self-taught genius is the supreme master of honoring a woman's body. Project Runway is back for its 17th season, and with new judges Karlie Kloss, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth, as well as returning judge Nina Garcia and mentor Christian Siriano, were excited to see what these designers will put together. His humble and positive outlook, contagious smile, and ability to spread joy to those around him make his newfound success feel all the more like kismet. When did you find out that you had been selected to appear on the new season of Project Runway and tell us about that process of applying and the buildup to the final stages of being casted? Even from Los Angeles, fashion designer and Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie is doing what he can to help healthcare staff on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. Sign up to become a Bravo Insider and get exclusive extras. . I think the challenges helped mold me into understanding the business of fashion and the type of designer I am, theyve pushed me past my comfort zone especially working outside and sleeping in tentsthats something Ill never forget or do again [lol]. Therefore, it was best to exhibit the variety of ways that a design can fit. (Kenneth K. Lam . Bishme Cromartie is on Facebook. His garments reflect characteristics of the art that inspires him:boundary-breaking,fun, daring, romantic, and socially conscious. 25, 1399. Im just trying to translate or get well-adjusted to this newfound fame. These include B Michael, Tracy Reese, Amsale Aberra, and Bishme Cromartie. Growing up on the east side of Baltimore City around my circle of friends who liked playing sports made me wonder if I could even pursue it. Neither those students, the Design School nor Bishme have gotten the plaudits and recognition they deserve locally. He used it as an escape; sketching would bring him to a place that he couldnt explain but felt right to him. I dont remember exactly when, but I do remember how I felt when I found out. I want to show others that how they are or who they are becoming is beautiful. Photo assistance by Alex J. Wright. He loved the feeling that fashion gave him, from sketching to sewing. (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun video) (Kenneth K. Lam, Denise Sanders), In a period when there seems to be so much bad news about Baltimore, fashion designer Bishme Cromartie represents the best of the city. Vogue declared that his clothing sculpts and celebrates a womans body,he was a highly regarded contestant on Project Runway Season 17,and he has dressed such clients as Lizzo,Andra Day,KarruecheTran, and Niecy Nash. RELATED: Who Is Afa Ah Loo? Off the runways and into reality, Cromartie said the time to be a budding black designer is now. Bishme deserves to reach the top, says celebrity stylist Wouri Vice. His mission as a Black designer is to encourage self-expression, advocate for representation, and shatter the expectations for people of color. It is time to spread my wings and showcase my beauty in a different way. Bravo Insider is your VIP pass to never-before-seen content, exclusive giveaways, and so much more! Cromartie is the type of person whose warm energy you can feel like the sunshine through the windows at his recent popup shop at Baltimore's Hotel Indigo. He designed a prom dress in the tenth grade and continued until he graduated in 2011even missing his own senior prom because he was spending all of his time creating other peoples dresses. Giving back to his community is also important for Cromartie; he will be supporting CityWide Back To School Night at the Maryland Science Center Monday night. We sit down with designer Bishme Cromartie to discuss his upbringing in Baltimore, the fashion that inspires him, trends he loves and hates, and his exciting future ahead. By age 11, he made his first real design, a T-shirt he wore proudly to the Clifton branch of Enoch Pratt for an afterschool program. I would also love to dress Rihanna; those two ladies would be my dream come true. one of cromarties creations from the art of fashion. It dawned on me that day how big of an impression he had made on his peers., Didley also recalls a high school talent show where her brother performed a songsinging is another one of Cromarties many talentsand, as she looked at the audience, she saw lots of the kids in the audience wearing her brothers designs. BishmeCromartie, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, was 8 years old when he started sketching his designs. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Photography by Sean Scheidt. Styling assistance by Khameron Gross. Cromartie poses with his latest looks at the baltimore design school, where he helps mentor young designers. Since the creation of his clothing line, his bold yet streamlined garments have earned him international acclaim. It made me annoyed with myself and extremely embarrassed to get this far and choke. I love the people here, I love the buildings we have and I also love meeting other talented people. Bishme also shared some sage advice for the next batch of Project Runway contestants: Do not get in your head and come up with a mantra that allows you to think positive, stay positive, and be your truest form of yourself because at the end of the day youre not competing against anyone but yourself. He credits growing up in a rough neighborhood for finding his love for fashion. He was the reason I watched Project Runway, and I remember him saying, Im going to be on that show one day, says Didley. Cromartie was born in 1991 and is from Baltimore, Maryland. The budding designer accredited his timeon Project Runwayfor his composed demeanor, statingthat the fashion competition helped "mentally and physically" preparehim for this moment. Cromartie is also a cast member of the reality TV series Projects Runway along withHeidi Klum,Tim Gunn, andNina Garcia. For Cromartie, the chance to appear on a show that he religiously watched with his sister growing up was a full-circle moment. The last two years have been my transformation. After applying and doing interviews, the biggest part was just waiting for the answer and after I received the call it all went by super-fast and became a beautiful rollercoaster ride. Modern elements with a touch of avant-garde help create the look for Bishme Cromartie garments. Season 17 of Project Runway has come to an end. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro. He eventually moved to a sewing machine from hand sewing, and began making clothing for friends. Months after Bravo'sProject Runway Season 17 final runway show, alum Bishme Cromartie has found himself back on the streets of New York City for a special occasion. September 11, 2019 / 8:47 PM The clothes designed by himshowcased his chic, edgy, and unbelievable fashions at the show. Bishme-Cromartie-293858134002385 Bishme_Cromartie Bishme Cromartie is a self-taught designer from Baltimore, Maryland. Since then, hes been featured and published in Essence, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, Forbes, Elle, BET, and Bravo. Is there an intimate bond between you and your fellow castmates, or is it all-out-war and survival-of-the-fittest? I would love to see the early designs of a young and . Just seeing how much Baltimore supports and loves me was so special. . Bravo. 02 Mar, 2023 . Offers may be subject to change without notice. Earlier this month, we watched as he reached the final four contestants on this seasons Project Runway.. BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- You may know Bishme Cromartie from "Project Runway," but the Baltimore native is going beyond the screen to make a name for himself in the fashion world. 44.6k Followers, 262 Following, 99 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Bishme Cromartie - Designer (@bishme_cromartie) With all of the changes and surprises that have happened on this new season of Project Runway, the heart of the show still remains the sameand that is, whos going to be the last designer standing?! Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Cromartie got early success when released hisfirst solo fashion show in 2007 at 16-year-old and his biggest triumph came in early 2019 when he was featured as adesigner on the hit reality TV series Projects Runway. You cant buy that kind of love, and I love it back so much., His unique name may sound familiareven before Project Runway, he had shown his collections at both New York and L.A. fashion weeks, dressed celebrity clients such as Andra Day and Fantasia Barrino, and had his creations grace the pages of Vogue Italia and ELLE Vietnam. Everything that I needed to learn, I would always teach myself. Previously, I designed to tell my story or create a story. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It was an especially exciting season, with new judges, a new mentor and host, and a wider size range of models, including the shows first-ever transgender model. Throughout the competition, Bishme spoke of how his designs were inspired by his hometown Baltimore. In order to celebrate the crafty season, Megan Segura and Erik J. Mac spoke to the four finalists - that's Bishme Cromartie, Hester Sunshine, Garo Sparo, and winner, Sebastian Grey. . Meanwhile, Bishme Cromartie just won his second challenge last week . I think designing this way represents whats happening and whats real. +FAN Bishme to stay up-to-date with his latest looks! He learned the basics of sewing from his aunt, and after graduating to a sewing machine, began making clothes for friends and family. It was hand-sewn and not very well made, he laughs. 1898-1981) learned the skill of dressmaking from her mother . Vogue declared that his clothing sculpts and celebrates a womans body,. Ive dressed Niecy Nash, Andra Day, Eva Marcille, Fantasia ,Mel B., H.E.R., Dascha Polanco and Jill Scott to name a few. There used to be a time when I was embarrassed that I was self-taught. I want the story in my designs to appeal to my demographic, and inspire those who may not see proper representation of themselves., According to Cromarties website, his mission as a Black designer is to encourage self-expression, advocate for representation, and shatter the expectations for people of color in the fashion industry., A post shared by Bishme Cromartie (@bishme_cromartie) on Mar 2, 2018 at 8:43am PST. He really hustles and always puts his best foot forwards, says Vice. Bishme Cromartie is yet to be married and is also not dating anyone right now. Chaos may have been a guiding factor in Bishmes line, but backstage (where the real mayhem occurs at fashion week) he appeared calmand unruffled. Cromartie is an accomplished fashion designer and is paid $64,530 per year. "My friends accepted me but it was just funny to see the things I got excited about versus the other guys in the . They knew his story because it is also theirs. choosing a selection results in a full page refresh; press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection He doesn't have . I got my sewing machine at 13.. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. How long have you been involved with fashion and were you always a designer? Since the creation of his clothing line, his bold yet streamlined garments have earned him international acclaim. 1,761 likes. Not only is he extremely talented, but he brought such fun, silliness, and friendship, says season 17 winner Sebastian Grey. Or the Baltimore Blossom dress and T-shirt designed to inspire youth in the city. Bishme received no formal fashion training, only that of his Great-Aunt Faye Dean Lacy, who taught him his initial sewing basics. It was like I won the lottery a dream coming true to create on TV and be on a show that I grew up watching. And aside from all the creations well see, as well as the different styles and tastes, one of the best parts of the show is getting to hear the backstory of each contestant. I would imagine what it would be like to design gowns, so I taught myself how to draw and after I somewhat mastered how to sketch, my passion for sewing developed. It is so weird saying that. His runway to success stretches as far as his talent, but he also said global fashion brands use black fashion designers' work without giving them the shine they deserve. Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites. They could have easily stayed home and sat on their couches to watch the show, but they got dressed, found parking, and waited in line. Host Karlie Kloss called after him, This is just the beginning! Cromartie shot a piece sign up in the air and simply responded, I know it is.. I went to the shoot and it was Elle Vietnam for designer Christian Siriano. The aesthetic that is naturally forming is one to complement any body shape in a way that is timeless. Some brides can say, I had a Vera Wang, but I can say I had a Bishme Cromartie., His garments eventually caught the attention of celebrity clientele and stylists like Vice, who has worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington, and Viola Davis. . Bishme Cromartie, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, was 8 years old when he started sketching his designs. But hes also had quite the journey. The . They could have easily stayed home and sat on their couches to watch the show, but they got dressed . I am actually stronger than I thought I was., Though Cromartie didnt take home the crown, its clear that he gained a whole new legion of fans, who fell in love with his empowering designs and vibrant personality. This industry can be crazy sometimes, and you need that voice of reason or just somebody to shut up and listen., Cromartie certainly needed his mentor and sounding board when the Project Runway opportunity came his way. Getting Started | Contributor Zone . I cant wait until the day I dress Beyonc, it will honestly make my life and I know its coming one day! Of course, he experienced highs and lowshighest when his creations served as love letters to Baltimore, like the structured bomber jacket emblazoned with Greenmount on the back that won him the street style challenge on episode five. Now, he's moving to another stage back in Baltimore, where his handcrafted couture will hang in the fashion exhibit for the Maryland Historical Society. (: Owain Sebastian Yeoman; -2 1978) . , ( ) ., -CBI . Bishme Cromartie has made a considerable amount of money from his flourishing designing career. It's created a platform to showcase black designers and creatives, putting Cromartie's art front and center at New York Fashion Week. He never received formal fashion training, but learned to sew from his great-aunt. Check out never-before-seen content, exclusive sweepstakes, and much more! Season 17 of Bravo TVs hit show has seen the departure of famous designer Michael Kors and longstanding hostess Heidi Klum now replaced by Karlie Klossand Christian Siriano stepping into the former role of Tim Gunn, along with the addition of guest hosts/judges Elaine Welteroth,designer Brandon Maxwell, and the re-appearance of show alum Nina Garcia. Honestly, I just see myself continuing to grow as a person and a designer. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Throughout the show, he was able to do just that, ascending to the final four by creating powerful, masterful designs that were bold and innovative, all while celebrating the female form. Im already proud to be his sister, but that made me so proud.. I was so honored and so happy I get to say this for the rest of my life, says Didley. Im taking in everything that life has given me after Project Runway. The series premiered on March 14th, and has returned to Bravo for the first time since season five. When a group of us came together a decade ago to establish the Baltimore Design School, it was to provide opportunities for creative young people in Baltimore like Bishme and the students who have just graduated. Select Sync with this [device] over Wi-Fi. Featured; by Tricia Love Vargas February 16, 2020 Architect and creator, the self-taught genius is the supreme master of honoring a woman's body. Joe action figures, a creative choice that wasnt exactly popular around the house. "Where I grew up it was weird for a 13-year-old to want a sewing machine," Cromartie says. Baltimore fashion designer Bishme Cromartie, a Project Runway season 17 contestant, talks about his journey in the fashion world. His bold and structured gowns look like the work of a designer who attended the most prestigious schools or landed a sought-after internship with a top design house.