Longtime Bishme Cromartie fans are getting a moving insight to his recent struggles as he transforms adversity into opulence through his new collection, “Brutal Cry.” In recent years, Cromartie has been burdened with unequivocal personal loss. In an attempt to channel his grief, Bishme Cromartie turned to his craft, subsequently creating one of his most “aesthetically striking collections to date.” The collection serves as a catharsis, allowing him to harness his emotions into each design, transforming unfathomable pain into strikingly powerful art.
Ever since his winning season of Project Runway All-Stars, Bishme Cromartie has designed with a distinct style, marrying Avant Garde & Street Style into a term he coined as “Street Garde.” His niche has facilitated his success throughout the fashion industry. From TV interviews, to magazine publications, to designing for celebrity clientele, Cromartie has been able to create a name for himself within the vast fashion ecosystem so few are able to conquer. Now, his new collection further pushes the envelope, paying tribute to his personal journey with every stitch.
I wanted this collection to feel effortlessly sexy, masculine, & feminine all at the same time.
-Bishme Cromartie
“Brutal Cry” encapsulates a refinement of Bishme Cromartie’s style, while staying true to his “Street Garde” aesthetic. Cromartie ventured boldly into experimenting with silhouettes, proportions & function.
The collection showcases a seamless blend of sexy, edgy, & confident. Grommets, shoulder pads & zipper details embody a sharp boldness, while draping, tulle, & off-the-shoulder designs integrate a feminine flair. This ideally captures the essence of the Bishme Cromartie woman who, in his words, “is ready for change, constantly on the go & loves to stand out, no matter where she is.” Cromartie utilizes only Black, White, & Red throughout the collection. Each color likely symbolizing specific emotions tied to the designer’s personal battle with grief.
You can see the designer’s emotional journey, navigating loss, pursuing reconstruction, & eventually conquering his hardship & reclaiming his sense of self. He says, “This season I am releasing the burden of carrying grief.” The collection serves as an avenue for Cromartie to unburden himself, ultimately finding comfort through his creation. His fashion film further provides a compelling portrayal of the collection, inspiring & empowering his customer to use their own style to prosper & free themselves from their own grief.
-Caroline Turley
Designer Website: www.bishmecromartie.com
