Baltimore Fashion Week Celebrates 10th Anniversary

August 4, 2017 Simone Ellin, Associate Editor

Sharan Nixon (Handout photo)

Though some say Baltimore’s not much of a fashion town, Sharan Nixon begs to differ.

“Back in the early ‘90s, I would have agreed with that statement. But from my perspective, it’s no longer accurate,” says Nixon, founder and CEO of the Fashion Umbrella Foundation, a Charm City-based nonprofit, and executive producer of Baltimore Fashion Week. “Baltimore has developed its own sense of fashion and style.

“What’s your definition of fashion? Is it high price tags? We got that! Is it custom-made style? We got that! Is it individuality? Well, we got that, too!”

Now in its 10th year, BFW 2017 will take place from Aug. 6-13 at a new site — the 20,000-plus-square-foot Columbus Center at 701 E. Pratt St.

Nixon expects this year’s event to be the largest and most diverse BFW so far. For one thing, BFW’s new location accommodates a tent, something that’s synonymous with fashion weeks in other cities. Additionally, this year’s BFW will reach out to Baltimore’s “sneakerhead community.”

Nichole Verdejo, co-owner of Footage Society, a Laurel sneaker boutique, explains that sneaker culture is about more than just sneakers. For some, they’re “walking works of art,” says Verdejo. “They’re also part of a lifestyle.”

Yet it’s not necessarily the lifestyle that some people might imagine. “Though sneaker culture is deeply rooted in urban culture and the hip-hop movement, over the years it has evolved and transcended those boundaries into mainstream pop culture,” says Verdejo’s partner, David Louie.

Adds Verdejo: “Sneakerheads come from all cultures, all genders, all classes.” And incidentally, says Nixon, “Baltimore has the third largest ‘sneakerhead community’ in the country!”

Baltimore sneakerheads will have the opportunity to participate in a BFW meet-and-greet with world-renowned sneaker illustrators Dez Customz and Kreative Custom Kicks on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Other BFW events include a fundraiser for the Fashion Umbrella Foundation’s Back-to-School ReFresh program at Mustang Alley’s Bar, Bowling and Bistro at 1300 Bank St. on Aug. 8, and of course, the fashion shows!

Showcasing the designs of 21 local, national and international designers — including Aeren Waters, Duane Topping, Beryl Couture, CJKollective, D. President Attire, Denise Robinett Fashions and Gabrial Tebalan — nightly shows will take place from Aug. 11-13. Nixon promises that all BFW programs are “family-friendly and open to the public.”

While BFW promises fun and creative activities for local fashionistas, perhaps its most important purpose is as the “marquee” fundraiser for Fashion Umbrella Foundation, which has the mission is “to champion inner city youth by providing educational opportunities, art enrichment and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, while mentoring youth who wish to become entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Nixon says she founded the organization to give back to her community and “hopefully to be able to help a few kids.” So far, she says, the Fashion Umbrella Foundation has “recognized students for having perfect attendance and high GPAs; donated school supplies to elementary homerooms and helped college freshmen and sophomores stay in college by providing a financial stipend to assist with books and other financial obligations through our scholarship fund.”

Additionally, says Nixon, “In the past year, we have facilitated Job Readiness and Entrepreneurship 101 programs to two Baltimore City high schools. The response was great. One thing about the organization is that it loves to help youth, whether from Baltimore or not.”

For information or to purchase tickets to BFW events, visit Baltimore-fashionweek.com.

Top photo: Sharan Nixon (Handout)