The Baltimore Museum of Industry will be the location of a new “Baltimore Fashion Market Pop-up” series that will give participants a chance to shop, swap and upcycle clothes from local vendors.
The museum at 1415 Key Highway is collaborating with the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) to produce the markets on Sept. 28 and Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
Coinciding with the weekly BMI Farmers Market, the fashion pop-ups will be held in the museum’s waterfront pavilion and will include a dozen vendors ranging from fashion designers to thrifters. In addition to clothes, available items will include jewelry, shoes, bags and accessories. Admission to the market and onsite parking is free.
Organizers say the markets are designed to promote sustainable fashion, reduce fashion waste, and add to the breadth of Baltimore’s fashion community ecosystem.
“The emerging era of sustainable fashion is gaining momentum, with growing public interest in sustainable shopping options, including wearable art, vintage boutiques, thrift shops, clothing swaps, and upcycling workshops,” said Caprece Ann Jackson, BOPA’s Fashion Program Coordinator, in a statement. “We are excited to activate this fashion centric platform that connects Baltimore’s independent fashion boutiques, designers, and makers with the Baltimore community at-large, visitors, and destination travelers.”
BOPA has partnered with Sustainable Fashion Week US — a platform created to support and spotlight emerging, independent and student sustainable designers — to host a different sustainable fashion workshop at each pop-up. On Sept. 28, Baltimore-based designer Illiana Quander of Amparo3 will host a zero-waste workshop. Nyambi Royster of Nyambi Naturals will conduct a natural dye workshop on Oct. 26.
“Baltimore’s garment industry has a legacy steeped in creativity and craftsmanship,” said Brianne Mobley, Public Engagement Manager at the BMI, in a statement. “Now, as we write the next chapter, it’s all about pushing the boundaries—making fashion not just stylish, but sustainable and eco-conscious. This is Baltimore’s future in the industry, where tradition meets innovation and we’re so excited about this partnership!”
To participate in the clothing swap, organizers say, participants should bring five to seven items from their closets in good condition to the Fashion Market and register at the Sustainable Fashion Week US Booth. The Baltimore Fashion Market Pop-ups will culminate in a fashion show at the BMI on Oct. 31.
Sustainable Fashion Week is an event that showcases collections from emerging sustainable designers, established sustainable designers, and vintage collectors. It includes a virtual sustainable product lounge, sustainable fashion speakers, and space for individuals from all backgrounds to share their vision of a sustainable fashion future. This year’s Sustainable Fashion Week Fall Show will be held Sept. 7 and 8 at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey.
More information about the Baltimore program is available at: Baltimore Fashion Market Pop-up – The Baltimore Museum of Industry (thebmi.org).
