In this crowded fashion landscape, how does a fashion designer set himself apart from other fashion designers? Bishme Cromartie has found a solution that works for his brand. That solution is tapping into his emotions, and for his spring 2025 collection that involves revisiting the grief of his sister’s death.
Very few “Project Runway” have experienced success after appearing on the now iconic fashion reality competition show. The successes are few and far between—Christian Siriano, Leanne Marshall, Austin Scarlett, Chloe Dao, and a few others. You can now add Bishme Cromartie to the list of “Project Runway” success stories.
That said, creating a collection inspired by depression and grief might be a stretch; however, after close examination of Cromartie’s collection, this inspiration helped conjure up a stunning array of silhouettes and looks. And though one would assume that grief would be a rather somber point of view for spring collection, that emotion did cause Cromartie to create a collection that was thoughtful, innovative, and fashion-forward, if not particularly big on bold color, or floral expression which would be a normal expectation for a spring collection.
As with Bishme Cromartie’s collections—this was his third showing at New York Fashion Week (NYFW)—there was his signature pairing of streetwear with avant-garde design elements that blended seamlessly and conveyed a subtle hint of darkness threaded with feminine and bold shapes to blossom into a variety of pants, dresses, edgy tops, and skirts. Add to his signature DNA, Cromartie introduced some innovative design elements that pushed his collection to new heights. Of note was his short satin skirt with a long extension on the side, and the red sequined Grecian draped high-low gown with exposed arm.
Images courtesy of VERY New York
By introducing light tweeds, Cromartie gives his consumer options for early spring before the weather warms up. And those light tweeds are presented in a way that is fashion-forward and combines his distinct melding of urban streetwear meets high fashion.
The Bishme Cromartie woman is one who embraces and relishes change, and this spring 2025 will not only satisfy her palette for innovative, avant-garde looks, but also have her wanting more. Keep it coming, Bishme!!
William S. Gooch
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