Project Runway designer Bishme Cromartie learns to trust himself

In Project Runway season 17, Bishme Cromartie proved that not only was he a strong designer, but also a powerful voice for his community.

With the Project Runway finale within his grasp, fashion fans were crushed when Bishme Cromartie struggled in his final episode. As Bishme broke down in tears, fans of the Bravo fashion show felt his anguish. Unfortunately, it was not his time, but his time is coming.

Bishme proved to be a powerful voice throughout this Project Runway season. His smile and personality seemed to shine a positive light. Even in challenges were he struggled, there always seemed to be a seed of hope in the experience.

After being eliminated, Bishme spoke with me about his Project Runway experience, how the Bravo show impacted him and where he goes from here.

As seen in this season, Bishme hails from Baltimore. His hometown and his life experiences influence both his vision and his designs. As seen in several challenges, Bishme channeled the idea of beauty blossoming from any and every condition.

That ideal is more than just a metaphor. Bishme said, “I feel that I am a role model for other young designers, especially designers who come from hard and difficult neighborhoods. Throughout my life I’ve had the opportunity to meet amazing people and learn amazing things that I wouldn’t have learned if I didn’t keep going. I just want to be a simple reminder to any and every one that dreams do come true just as long as you keep going and believing!”

These words are very telling about his beliefs. Where many people look to this experience as an opportunity to grow their brand, Bishme sees a bigger picture. In many ways, he is paying forward the good fortune that has come his way.

In some ways, his positive attitude seems to flow into his designs. Overall, his designs celebrate women, their figures, and their strengths. As the models walked the runway, their confidence was apparent.

Bishme said, “I feel that it is extremely important for me to make women feel confident in my garments. Women face so many challenges and should always be appreciated. With my garments I love to make sure that confidence is that main focal point.”

While his designs flatter women, there is a sense of structure to each look. Although never stiff, the architectural elements are apparent. The contrast between the feminine confidence and the structure is appealing.

Even though he isn’t a trained architect, Bishme seems to be drawn to structure. He said, “I think I was an architect in my past life, I love historic buildings. I fantasize over how buildings are made and occupied. When I first started designing I would create avantgarde pieces that took up a lot of space and were very structured. I think power is defined by structure. It’s the reason why my garments consist of bold and architectural shapes.”

Although his designs seem to present power and strength, Bishme occasionally seemed to second guess himself throughout the Project Runway season. Whether it was a little voice in his head or questioning fabric choices, the need to impress the judges sometimes caused him confusion.

He said, “I always second guess my fabric choices, but having to impress the judges and Christian added more pressure. I mean, you want to make sure you’re picking something you love, and something that will appeal to the judges.”

That statement is somewhat telling about the pressure of being on Project Runway. Each challenge isn’t necessarily only what each designer wants to make. The design has to appeal to the judging panel. Sometimes those two scenarios marry well and other times they are quite divorced.

A perfect marriage between the two happened in the streetwear challenge. Both the judges applauded that winning look and it was one of Bishme’s favorite looks from the season.

He also loved working on the real women challenge. In that challenge, he was able to see the impact that his dress had on that teacher. It was a moment of realness in a reality competition show.

Since Project Runway brings many opportunities to these designers, Bishme has a dream client. He said, “I would love to work with Rihanna; I NEED her in a piece of mine. It would make my life complete!” Given his vision of celebrating confident, sexy and captivating women, this collaboration seems like a dream come true.

Now that his time on Project Runway is done, his lessons learned from this profound. Bishme said, “My biggest lesson that I’ve learned would have to be that trusting yourself is a must and that balance is key.”

Those simple, poignant words should be a reminder for designers, Project Runway fans, and everyone. While Project Runway season 17 might not have been his time, the future looks bright for Bishme Cromartie.

What was your favorite look from Bishme this season? Do you think that he deserves a second chance at Project Runway?