Project Runway Winner Bishme Cromartie’s Debut NYFW Show Exuded Edgy Romance (PICS)
The Project Runway Season 20 winner brought “bold, feminine, and abstract shapes” to his first New York Fashion Week presentation.
In the video above, Project Runway All-Stars winner Bishme Cromartie reflects on his “evolution” as a designer, speaking with mentor Christian Siriano about his proclivity for creating what Christian calls a “winning moment” in his collections.
“I love a moment that elevates things but also has this edge to it,” Bishme explains during the conversation, as the pair recall two dramatic looks from Bishme’s final collection on Project Runway before he was deemed the Season 20 winner.
Following his life-changing victory, Bishme was ready to make his New York Fashion Week debut, putting together a Spring 2024 collection titled “Faye’s Quantum.” According to a press release, the pieces were “inspired by the concept of mixing streetwear with avant-garde designs” and took on “bold, feminine, and abstract shapes.”
“I wanted the collection to feel sexy, strong, masculine, and feminine at the same time,” Bishme stated in the release. Those elements were on full display for the designer’s September 12 show, with structured cropped jackets paired with flirty Y2K-style miniskirts, fitted denim cargo pants, and high-low pieces that evoked just as much downtown cool as they did haute sophistication.
Likewise, feminine shapes and statement embellishments in the form of bustier-style tops and exaggerated shoulders gave the jade, black, and metallic pieces both a classic and futuristic flair. Soft, glowing makeup by Augment and slicked-back buns from Aveda rounded out the looks, while lace-up heels gave the perfect amount of sultry style.
Additionally, Bishme was sure to end with his hallmark “winning moment”: two head-turning looks that brought an elegant mixture of sculptural edge and classic romance by way of sheer fabric and elaborate tulle.
“The Bishme Cromartie girl [is] always on the go and loves to stand out no matter where she is,” the designer concluded in the press release, and that rang true with his debut NYFW collection, where Christian, Nina Garcia, and Elaine Welteroth all showed their exuberant support.
Scroll down to see all the incredible styles (and front-row photos) from Bishme’s SS 2024 runway show:
Bishme Cromartie’s New York Fashion Week Debut Show
Bishme Cromartie discusses winning Project Runway Season 20
During a confessional on the Season 20 finale, Bishme reflected on his life-changing win.
“I’ve dreamed of winning Project Runway ever since I first [saw] Christian on his season,” he stated. “And to be here a second time and win, it honestly feel[s] like the kid in me is just extremely proud and just excited as hell.”
The designer also opened up about his late sister, who helped him “blossom” into who he is today. “I owe this win to my sister. My biggest fan,” Bishme explained. “The first person who didn’t judge me for doing something outside the norm, and she was there to allow me to blossom and fall deeply in love with my creativity.”
He added, “I know my sister is looking down and just happy and smiling from ear to ear.”
