For this year’s New York Fashion Week, Bishme Cromartie, a self-taught fashion designer raised in Baltimore, continues to test the limits of fashion with his new collection, “The Batrix”. On February 13th, Cromartie’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection took center stage at The Ritz-Carlton. Cromartie seamlessly blends the aesthetics of Avant Garde and Streetwear, resulting in a killer combination labeled “Street Garde”.
Heavily inspired by the popular sci-fi hit, The Matrix, Bishme Cromartie sweeps the fashion world off its feet with his continued drive to have fun and make daring choices with his designs.
Similar to the movie he’s referencing, Cromartie invites viewers to not just look at the clothing, but to also question what they’re seeing. His collection doesn’t just present you with these designs, he frames them as an experience; one that should take you to another world, in a sense. Already set in a different realm of fashion, he utilizes “Street Garde” to his advantage.
What exactly is “Street Garde”? Cromartie, fond of the differing fashion aesthetics, plays with its definition by mixing bold, feminine shapes with distinct, edgy gowns and coats. Only his second time participating in NYFW, Cromartie doesn’t shy away from being an original. The fashion collection strikes as both masculine and feminine, which was Cromartie’s intention.
Not only is Cromartie self-taught, he also dove into the fashion world at a young age. At just eight years old, Cromartie began experimenting with sewing, which led to him making clothes for his friends and family.
He had the honor of winning Project Runway All-Stars, in season 20, but that was not his first run with the competition show. The designer also competed in the show’s 17th season, where he finished in fourth place. Using the experience to his advantage, Cromartie brings his conceptual dreams to the forefront. He’s styled big names such as Lizzo, Andra Day, and Niecy Nash.
