Graduating senior, Demaris Fisher, recently participated in a local Vignette at Everyman Theater. Demaris has been a student at the Baltimore Design School (BDS) since 9th grade. Demaris is a quiet, yet determined and passionate young designer to be on the look-out for. We checked in with Demaris and her recent fashion show experience.

Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel Boudoir Couture Vignette
Demaris Fisher
Grade 12

Demaris, can you explain your corset design to us?

The showcase was part of a community engagement project for the play Intimate Apparel, a recent production at Everyman Theatre. Since the play took place in in 1905 my inspiration started there. I did my research on the time-period, while my fashion instructor guided me by supplying me with a simple corset pattern. I began to sketch a design of corset, complemented by a double slit. Using a dark green jersey knit for the skirt and a printed cotton blend and denim mix for the corset, I constructed the pieces.

Can you explain your experience participating in the showcase?

The experience felt like breathing underwater, in the sense that I did what felt impossible merely a few hours prior to the show. With a few hours to the show and an incomplete garment, it felt like the world was coming to an end. But I was able to kick it into overdrive and sew and hot glue as fast as my hands would let me and still be able arrive at the show early and prep my model. To top it off, I was the only high school student showcasing among college students and professional designers.

What is one of your favorite things about being a BDS fashion design student?

I think the fact that I am fully able to study my passion as a high school student is one aspect that I love. Most people have to wait until college or self-teach themselves the things that I have learned about the fashion industry. I also love the fact that class is fun. For most students, the thought of going to class is dreadful, but as for me when it comes to fashion class, there’s this joy I feel by just walking in the classroom.

Why do you like to design?

Asking me why I like to design is like asking a person why they like to breathe, because it keeps me alive. Designing allows me to be in control of something, in a world and being at an age where so many things are out of your control. Designing helps me maintain my sanity.

Can you explain your role models or inspiration for your work?

I am inspired by everything. From a crack in the sidewalk to paintings by Basquiat. I think sometimes people look too hard for inspiration when our story is right in front of us. We just have to figure out how we want to tell it.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?

I’ll let you know when I get there, life is a rollercoaster and I’m just enjoying the ride.