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Nate Kuser first began designing jewelry after a therapist suggested he use creativity as an outlet for the grief he felt following his grandfather’s murder.
15 years later, Kuser now owns VashtiBlue Jewelry Studio and launches his career at Baltimore Fashion Week after years of working behind the scenes.
The 15th edition of Baltimore Fashion Week, now known as the BFW Show, kicks off this Saturday, August 13.
Former model Sharan Nixon He launched Baltimore’s first Fashion Week in 2007, inspired by the behind-the-scenes buzz he saw as a photography assistant at the 2005 Elie Saab show at New York Fashion Week.
Since its inception, Sharan has personally handled all promotional materials, press releases, social media and website design for Baltimore Fashion Week.
“It’s been a long, extensive learning experience, and I don’t regret any of it,” Nixon said.
The shows at BFW kick off Saturday evening with the 4th Annual Fashion Umbrella Impact Awards, a gala fundraiser celebrating Baltimore-based creatives and leaders making an impact on society.
On Monday, August 15, a group of local designers who don’t yet have a full collection of runway shows at Baltimore’s Center Stage will be using the “Off the Rack” events. Featured creations include Nixon herself, with her brand Carter Kennedy showroom; Professional Stylist Sterling J; Couser’s VashtiBlue Jewelry Studio; and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman’s first label, “Dark Lords.”
For most Off the Rack designers, this will be their first time showing their designs publicly.
Wardrobe stylist Sterling Jay was attending Baltimore Fashion Week in hopes of one day seeing her work exhibited.
“I’ve been styling my whole life,” says Sterling J, drawing models from their own closets for her show.
The opportunity arose after Sterling J approached Nixon for advice. After working under Nixon’s wing, she launched her styling career and now works with other runway firms to produce their shows.
It’s also the first Baltimore Fashion Week for Bateman, who has been working on his label, “Dark Lords,” during the break between the Ravens’ regular season and summer practices. Bateman, who spent the past month rehabbing his first label, preseason soccer and soft-tissue injury, could not be reached for comment.
Although this is the first time Kuser has shown his collection, he is no stranger to Baltimore Fashion Week.
Kuser, a Baltimore City educator, artist and podcaster, interviewed models and designers for his podcast, “The Artist Exchange Radio Show,” during the first Baltimore Fashion Week. Since then, Kuser and Nixon have developed a strong friendship, and Kuser was selected to exhibit his work at BFW this year.
“I like to mix different styles and express myself,” says Kusser, whose collection from Shelf Craft was primarily inspired by Diana Ross. 1975 “Mahogany” movie.
Shows from Tuesday, August 16, to Saturday, August 20, at BFW will feature networking events, lunches, meetups and virtual conversations with industry experts.
Sunday, August 21st, is an exclusive design showcase featuring the entire collection created by up and coming designer Elise Little.
She started her little sewing journey when the epidemic started, teaching herself to sew cloth masks to neighbors and friends. Since then, her skills have blossomed, and she hosts a solo design showcase titled “Elise Sew Official”.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the glamor of fashion week, Nixon’s looks at the BFW shows were focused on one goal: raising money for the nonprofit Fashion Umbrella Foundation.
Founded by Nixon in 2013, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation is committed to providing educational and entrepreneurial opportunities to Baltimore’s youth. Baltimore Fashion Week is presented under the Fashion Umbrella Foundation, and proceeds from the event go toward the foundation’s scholarship programs.
The Fashion Umbrella Foundation also hosts outreach programs throughout the year, including a mid-winter school supply drive, an educational awards ceremony, and a youth open mic.
Nixon is expanding his show at BFW beyond its current boundaries.
“I’m such a perfectionist that failure has never been an option,” Nixon said of her future aspirations.
She’s already planning next year’s events for New York Fashion Week’s “Designer Debut” in September, a runway show for women over 30 scheduled for late March, and an emerging designer platform in June.
To purchase tickets and for more information about the 2022 shows at BFW, visit theshowsatbfw.com.
Liv Barry is the Baltimore Fishbowl 2022 summer reporting intern. Barry is a rising junior at Washington College, where she is majoring in communication and media studies and double majoring in journalism, editing and publishing, and arts management.
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