Nate Cowser started designing jewelry after a therapist suggested he use creativity as an outlet for the grief he felt after his grandmother’s murder.
Over 15 years later, Couser now owns VashtiBlue Jewelry Studio and debuts his creations at Baltimore Fashion Week after working behind the scenes for several years.
The 15th season of Baltimore Fashion Week, now called BFW’s Show, begins Saturday, August 13th.
Former model Sharan Nixon launched her first fashion week in Baltimore in 2007, inspired by the behind-the-scenes hustle and bustle she witnessed as a photography assistant at Elie Saab’s 2005 New York Fashion Week show. .
Since Baltimore Fashion Week’s inception, Sharan has personally handled all promotional materials for Baltimore Fashion Week, including press releases, social media and website design.
“It was a long and extensive learning experience, and I have no regrets,” Nixon said.
The show at BFW kicks off Saturday night with the 4th Annual Fashion Umbrella Impact Awards. The award is a celebratory fundraiser that celebrates Baltimore-based creators and leaders who make an impact in their community.
Monday, August 15th will be dedicated to the “Off the Rack” event, a group of runway shows at the Baltimore Center Stage featuring local designers who don’t yet have a full collection. Featured creatives include Nixon herself and her brand, the Carter Kennedy Showroom. Professional stylist Sterling J. Her VashtiBlue jewelry studio in Couser. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod made his Bateman debut on his label ‘Dark Lords’.
For most Off the Rack designers, this is the first time they’ve had the chance to showcase their designs.
Wardrobe stylist Sterling J attended Baltimore Fashion Week.
“I’ve been styling pretty much my entire life,” said Sterling J, who styles a select number of models from her closet for her show.
The opportunity arose after Sterling J sought advice from Nixon. After working under Nixon’s wing, she launched her styling career and now works with other runway organizations to style shows.
It will also be Bateman’s first ever Baltimore Fashion Week. Bateman has been working on his label “Dark Lords” during the Ravens’ regular playing downtime between his season and summer training. Bateman, who has been balancing his label debut, football preseason and a soft tissue injury throughout the last month, was not available for comment.
Although this is Couser’s first time exhibiting his collection, he knows Baltimore Fashion Week well.
A Baltimore City educator, performing artist, and podcaster, Coozer interviewed models and designers on his podcast, “The Artist Exchange Radio Show,” during the first Baltimore Fashion Week. Since then, Couser and Nixon have developed a strong friendship, and Couser was selected to exhibit his work at this year’s BFW show.
“I love mixing different styles and expressing them in my own way,” says the designer, who has created a collection of ready-to-wear crochet patterns largely inspired by Diana Ross’ 1975 film Mahogany. Couser said.
From Tuesday, August 16th through Saturday, August 20th, the BFW show will feature networking events including lunches, meetups, and virtual discussions with industry experts.
Sunday, August 21st will be dedicated to a solo design showcase featuring the complete collection created by up-and-coming designer Elise Little.
Little began her sewing journey at the start of the pandemic by teaching herself how to sew cloth masks for neighbors and friends. She has since developed her talent and debuted her own brand, Elise Sew Official, in her solo design showcase.
While it’s easy to get carried away with glamorous fashion weeks, Nixon’s goal for her show at BFW is to raise money for her nonprofit, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation.
Founded by Nixon in 2013, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation is dedicated to providing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for Baltimore’s youth. Since then, Baltimore Fashion Week has been owned by the Fashion Umbrella Foundation, with proceeds from the show benefiting the foundation’s scholarship program.
The Fashion Umbrella Foundation also hosts year-round outreach programs, including mid-winter refreshments, educational awards ceremonies, and open mics for youth.
Nixon is expanding his show on BFW beyond its current boundaries.
“I’m a perfectionist, so failure was never an option,” Nixon said of his future ambitions.
She’s already planning events for next year, including a “designer debut” at New York Fashion Week in September, a runway show for women over 30 in late March, and an emerging designer platform in June. standing.
To purchase tickets and learn more about the 2022 shows at BFW, visit theshowsatbfw.com.
Liv Barry is the Summer 2022 Reporting Intern at Baltimore Fishbowl. Barry is in her junior year at the College of Washington, where she majored in Communications and Media Studies and minored in Journalism, Editing, Publishing, and Arts Management.