Why Bishme Cromartie Is Our Favorite Emerging Designer
The Season 20 “Project Runway” winner discusses his Fall/Winter 2024 collection.
Courtesy of Bishme Cromartie
This New York Fashion Week, Bishme Cromartie debuted his Fall/Winter 2024 collection at the Ritz-Carlton in Manhattan. The Season 20 “Project Runway: All Stars” winner took influence from “The Matrix” but put his own spin on it, calling “The Batrix.” He combined streetwear with avant-garde, coining his own term, “street-garde.” Cromartie stayed true to his signature elements while experimenting with new concepts like defying femininity and masculinity, form-fitting, dramatic gowns, and edgy tops. Cromartie discussed his newest collection with 1202 MAGAZINE at his NYFW show and how he brought it to life.
How did you come up with the colorways, patterns, and concepts of this collection?
A lot of times, when it comes to collections, I like to put myself in an idea of how I’m going to feel and how I want the people to feel, and I never try to look for it; I just allow it to come to me. I naturally realized I was drawn to ‘The Matrix,’ and I never really brought it to the world of where I'm at with certain things. So I was like, ‘It probably makes sense to do ‘The Matrix,’ change it up a little bit, bring people into my world, and understanding that you can have this hard (exterior) and go after this soft feeling, but still look presentable and go where it is that you need to go with any style, whether it's a jacket pants or a skirt or a sweatshirt or a gown range.
Have you always wanted to do a Matrix-inspired collection?
I always wanted to do it, and the crazy part about it is it's not an in-your-face ‘Matrix.’ It's more so little pieces of it and then my own interpretation of what ‘The Matrix’ is. My favorite thing to do is to create my world, and ‘The Matrix’ was the main thing that was like in my brain. I've seen it, I want to say, like 10 times.
How long did this collection take you to finish?
I want to say about four to five months. This is the first of many. I do have a feeling I'm going to do another continuing story from it to give people a part two because this one is so cool to see the vibe of it. I'm open to exploring it and where it could go.
How have you evolved since you first started designing?
I first started designing when I was nine, and then I started my brand when I was 15. I evolved in a way that allowed me to not have to prove myself. It's okay to be in this place of experimenting and having fun. Literally, fashion's about having fun. This is probably the most fun collection I've had in a long time, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. It's amazing. I'm learning so much as I go.
What are your plans and goals after this collection?
My main goal would be marketing. I'm happy that I can make amazing pieces, but my main thing now is pushing to stores and seeking partnerships and deals. I'm happy to have this, but I want to push in a different direction and put my name out there.
Do you have any other films or muses that you would want to work off of?
Movie-wise, I loved seeing ‘Dune.’ I love that apocalyptic and cool stuff. I don't know why, but it doesn't get any better than that.
I agree. I think you would work really well with ultra-futuristic, neutral tones.
Yeah. That's why I wanted to experiment, but I'm appreciative of what this (collection) has done.
Do you have a favorite piece in this collection?
My favorite piece would have to be the bleeding heart dress because it's one of those simple but impactful garments that make you feel and see exactly what it is that you're talking about.
How is NYFW treating you so far?
Fashion Week is here. It's so amazing to be a part of this again after winning Project Runway.
How many times have you participated in Fashion Week?
I've done Fashion Week probably 10 times, but officially, I’ve been on the calendar twice.
