When it comes to fashion, Baltimore isn’t even the place to go primarily due to the fact that the Charm City is not that popular and fashion isn’t a thing in the city in general. Despite it is not so fashionable, the city also has its own fashion trends and news that are worth trying and supporting.
As a matter of fact, there’s a Baltimore-based blogger who made big a couple of years ago. John-John Williams IV featured this story in his article at The Baltimore Sun. Read the awesome story below to know more about these awesome fashion bloggers based in Baltimore.
Last November, BMW flew Brian Sacawa to Europe to test-drive a BMW 7 Series and photograph his adventures doing it. As a result of her robust social media following, Nikki Brooks-Revis is coming out with a pattern line under the McCall brand this month. And the blogging trio known as 30th & Weldon has teamed with national brands such as Templeton Rye and Souza 901 Tequila to produce local events.
Successful fashion bloggers are not confined to cities such as New York, Los Angeles and London. They’re also flourishing right here in Baltimore.
Take Sacawa, for example. His website HeSpokeStyle.com and social media handle @hespokestyle focus on menswear. His Facebook followers, Instagram audience and monthly unique website visitors all register in the six figures, an impressive benchmark for someone who’s not a celebrity. In some cases, sponsored posts earn him $3,000 to $5,000, he says. He has a staff of six, has teamed with luxury brands such as BMW and has inked deals to become a contributing editor for several luxury-centric lifestyle magazines such as The Rake and Robb Report.
He works out of his Clipper Mill apartment.
“What I like about Baltimore is that it’s big enough so there is room enough for everyone to do their thing. But it’s small enough for people to make an impact in a very real way,” said Sacawa, who is signed with DBA, a Los Angeles-based talent agency.
Although fashion bloggers have been around for the better part of the past decade, most of the Baltimore-area crop has emerged in the past five years. They represent an array of interests: street style; men’s fashion; DIY, quirky, artsy and edgy.
The majority of successful Baltimore-area fashion bloggers are in their 20s and 30s. They’re digital natives who have taken advantage of available technology to localize global fashion content and disseminate it to followers in a way that reflects their unique style and taste. Know more about these fashion bloggers here…
These are young and creative people promoting Baltimore’s brand of fashion, introducing them to the world. In addition, the majority of the wave of these young and dynamic bloggers emerged in the past five years and they represent various fashion niches: men’s fashion, street style, DIY fashion and so much more.
Way back in 2015, there were suggestions from various groups to support Baltimore fashion designers as the city is recovering from the recent protests happened during that year. Christine Stoddard wrote about this past even in her article at Bustle. Read more about this story below.
5 Baltimore Fashion Designers You Can Support As the City Recovers After Recent Protests
Image Credits: Bustle
Baltimore is an artist’s city. From Baltimore’s fashion designers to its painters — whether they study at MICA, graduated years ago, or have no affiliation to the school — the city’s relatively low cost of living, local scene, and easy access to New York make it an incubator for creative talent. Galleries abound in Fells Point; independent businesses thrive in Hampden and Mount Vernon. Here, DIY is alive and well.
Whether you think the protests (peaceful and non) were right or wrong (or your opinion is more nuanced than that), we can all agree that recent events brought a lot of attention to Baltimore, much of it negative attention. Sometimes we have to see ugliness to have important conversations, but it’s also OK to hit pause and entertain a brief diversion. In this case, let’s have that diversion be fashion. Specifically, Baltimore fashion, because no matter what is or isn’t happening, the city’s clothing and accessory designers are still moving their fingers, squeezing their glue guns, and treading their sewing machines.
Since shopping on a smaller scale is generally a smart idea, here are five independent fashion designers you can support as Baltimore moves on from recent protests.
1. Jordan Matthews
A 2013 graduate from MICA, Jordan Matthews is a rising star who was born and raised in Baltimore. Her bad-ass clothes and limited edition sneakers feature bold colors, big patterns, and attitude (as seen at Baltimore’s RAW, a local art showcase in cities across the country). Order online or find her threads at Entropy Ink & Boutique, a shop committed to selling urban wear by the region’s independent designers.
2. Juliana Yasmine
Juliana Yasmine is the designer behind the fanciful Moon Flower Child. Her collection’s look is as hippie and romantic as it sounds, with globally inspired patterns and reimagined vintage denim. All of her designs — which she says incorporate upcycled and eco-friendly fabric — are one of a kind. She also welcomes custom designs.
As early as 2015, there were already fashion bloggers based in Baltimore that are already very active in promoting the city’s brand of fashion. These group of dynamic fashion bloggers is very much eager to show to the entire country’s fashion trends, news, etc. This also means that Baltimore fashion is growing and becoming more popular.
Apart from Baltimore-based fashion bloggers who are promoting the city’s fashion trends, a fashion store in Baltimore is also slowly becoming a popular thing not just within the city, but also in Maryland as well. On that note, we check the best men’s fashion store in Baltimore. Lauren Bell and Rachel Hinch of Baltimore Magazine find the best men’s store in the city and see what they’ve got for everyone.
Best Men’s Fashion Stores in Baltimore
Image Courtesy of Baltimore Magazine
Shop suits, sneakers, and streetwear at these one-of-a-kind boutiques.
There’s a change in the wind and it’s blown over Baltimore. Men’s fashion is on the rise and our local favorites aren’t holding back. Whether you’re looking to refresh you spring wardrobe, searching for a classic leather jacket, or just need to get your hands on the latest sneaker release – we’ve got you covered with Baltimore’s fashion hot spots for men.
VINTAGE: Hunting Ground
Searching high and low for the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s 501 jeans? In the old church on Falls Road is where you may strike luck. Hunting Ground’s racks are filled with an ever-rotating selection of both affordable vintage finds and pieces from local brands. 3649 Falls Rd., 410-243-0789
SPORTS FANATIC: This Sporting Life
A curation of embroidered patches, snapback caps, and (never) forgotten jerseys are what This Sporting Life is all about. History-inspired and all things sports, this online store features vintage and handmade items in by the store’s own Arvay Adams.You can also find This Sporting Life also stocked at For Rent Shoes, Sewlab Factory Store, and Sixteen Tons.
TIMELESS STYLE: Sixteen Tons
Don’t miss Sixteen Tons located in the same space as sister store Doubledutch on Hampden’s avenue. Stocked with vintage and new apparel that stand the test of time, the store also hosts a great selection of local duds from brands like Creative King and This Sporting Life (as mentioned above). We also love their wide assortment of accessories and grooming products, ensuring you will be stylish from head to toe.
TRENDY: Brightside Boutique
One of Baltimore’s favorite shops, Brightside is no longer just for women. Head down to the avenue in Hampden to find what’s hot and trending this season. From vinyl bomber jackets and woven knit button-ups to beard maintenance kits, you’ll slowly but surely find yourself a Brightside regular. 915 W 36th St., 410-814-0595
SNEAKER-HEAD: For Rent Shoes Baltimore
If you’ve noticed the uptick in the Baltimore sneaker game, you may just have to thank FRS. Owner Harrison Davis noticed a lack in decent sneaker shops back in 2013 and ever since has been keeping Baltimore’s sneaker lifestyle thriving from his Federal Hill store. Major brands, local designers, and up-and-coming labels all have a home here so stop by and you may just find an exclusive release. 515 Cathedral St., 443-873-9928
A MODERN TAKE: Six2Six Society
Streetwear fashion isn’t just for New York City. Fed Hill’s Six2Six Society brings together contemporary trends and vintage steals. Make a statement in a color block Tommy Hilfiger windbreaker or throw on a brightly colored Coogi sweater. Hanging from the ceiling and covering the racks are one of a kind pieces that will take your style up a notch. 912 S. Charles St., 443-717-1210
The fashion stores for men has been in the city for many years now, and as a matter of fact, some of them have become one of the favorite shops in Baltimore. The list of these fashion stores keeps growing as fashion becoming a trend in Baltimore.
