2023 Designers
Emily Rouse
Originally from West Virginia, Emily is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, wielding dual degrees in Fashion Design and Business Administration. While studying and living in the historic city of Richmond, Virginia, she sewed her craft on both screen and stage in the Costume Department on PBS’s MERCY STREET and as the Costume Apprentice in the Firehouse Ladder Program at Firehouse Theatre. Within the program, she was the Wardrobe Director for their ALBEE FEST, THE BALD SOPRANO 24-HOUR MARATHON, and THE DILEMMA OF ESCAPE. Right before moving to New York City, Emily began her role as Wardrobe Supervisor for the new show LIGHTS, CAMERA, LOCATION!, enjoying the opportunities to film across the country and throughout Europe. Once in NYC, Emily broadened her horizons and immersed herself in every aspect of the fashion industry, gaining experience in wholesale, retail, design, distribution, and contracting. In August 2019, she established House of Rouse, LLC, her bespoke womenswear fashion brand with a focus on prints designed in-house. Soon following, Emily co-founded Edgington Studio LLC in July 2020 in her hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia, where House of Rouse collections are now produced.
Michael Kouri
Michael Nolan Kouri is a fashion designer and owner of the Pittsburgh-based atelier design service Nolan Kouri LLC.
Michael is a recent transplant from NYC, where he worked for Brandon Maxwell as well as having work products sold at stores like Nordstroms, Rue 21, and Macys.
Michael also loves teaching his craft and is excited to pass on his knowledge of sewing and design to his students at Cut and Sew Studio located in Morningside.
Starr Thomas
Starr Thomas of Braddock, Pa has risen to the top of the elite designers in the Pittsburgh area by putting in long hours of dedication to her craft of sewing and painting. Starr's passion for fashion and love of art began at the age of 8 when her mother taught her how to sew. After high school she attended classes at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (F.I.D.M.) in Los Angeles, California where she was inspired and encouraged by teachers, family and friends to pursue a career in fashion by creating her own clothing line. After graduating from F.I.D.M., Starr held performing alterations in national and local bridal salons and currently holds an Alterations Manager position. Through this experience she has developed her knowledge of the construction and design of special occasion and bridal gowns. Once this knowledge was mastered, she decided to fuse her love of art and fashion together by hand painting garments which she designs.
As a Mother of three and stepmom of 2, Starr found the inspiration to create a clothing and accessories line that included her signature style and creativity called “Sew Starr”! Starr creates tutus, headbands, custom shirts, dresses, bibs, Kiddows (pillows), sunglasses, bow ties, neckties, vests, gowns and more with sizes ranging from newborn to adult ensuring every fashionista has the ambition to rip the daily runway of life! With “Sew Starr”, "Style Begins At Birth!” Starr has graced many runways with her designs, designed many garments for her customers, family, friends and herself and plans to continue to grow her business into a store front, sewing school and household name.
Malcolm Staples
Malcolm Staples of Malcolm’s Custom Made To Fit is one of the premier custom clothiers in the Washington DC metropolitan area. This highly acclaimed fashion designer believes in leaving no stone unturned and providing ultra luxury services as the norm not the exception. In 2009, Staples launched Malcolm’s Custom Made To Fit with his first paying job was to dress his nephew LaMarr Woodley of the NFLs Pittsburgh Steelers. Heavily influenced by his grandfather, a man of style, his fashion vision has been inspired by the 1950s era attributing his distinctive appeal and vintage flavor as a connection to this time period. Known for his perfectly tailored suits for both men and women, he has dressed clients globally. His work has graced the covers of more than 80 national and international publications and editorials in over 145 magazines. He is the Global Editor for Fashion Avenue News. He was the winner of the Fashion and Beauty Olympics Showcase and was named Designer of the Year by the SITA (Success In The Arts) organization and LH Luxe Beauty, Inc. Malcolm is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the International Academy of Design and Technology. He is a postgraduate of the Harvard University’s Business School in Cambridge, MA.
Bradford Mumpower
Bradford Mumpower is a self taught fashion designer and artist based in the East End of Pittsburgh. Creating sustainable fashion has become a primary focus which is reflected in his current work. When working with virgin fabrics, Mumpower often works with bright, bold prints and colors. He has a passion for creating clothing and wearable sculptures out of unconventional materials like maps, trash bags, candy bar wrappers and icicles.
Mumpower's work has been seen in Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, Las Vegas and San Antonio. He also enjoys sharing his love of creating by teaching the art of sewing and fashion design to adults and children.
In addition to wearables, Mumpower has also started to explore the intersection where fashion meets art by creating art installations. His most recent work “Greens Jacket 2+” is currently on display at the Carrie Furnace in Rankin, PA.
Suz Pisano
Award Winning Costume Designer Suz Pisano continues to work with the “Best of the Best” in the region. Longstanding “Best Of City Paper’s Top 10” she recently relocated her full time design studio from 15 years Downtown to a much larger and commercial space in the North Hills.
From professional dance companies & pageant queens, to wrestlers & stage & screen, she maintains an enviable clientele with a multitude of projects. Living and teaching fashion in Milan, Italy was a dream as was being hired by Fly Girl Productions who produced the reality tv show Dance Moms. (Seasons 1, 2 & 2.5). Her love of dance led her to work with notable choreographers Antonio Brown, Christopher Huggins, Troy Powell, Darrell Moultrie (who choreographed for Beyonce!) Locally Suz has worked with Beth Corning, Attack Theatre and so many more.
There is no downtime in her design studio she affectionately calls “Sparkle Studio” where her motto of many years is “There’s just not enough sparkle in the world. Shine daily.”
Suz is thrilled to be involved with Pittsburgh Fashion Week’s 2023 Runway Show!
As Suz always says, “Don’t Fear Fashion!”
Deisja Williams
Dreaming of being a fashion designer since youth, Deisja Williams has always had a heart for fashion.
With over 12 years of experience in the fashion industry, Deisja stepped out on faith to open DHW Fashion as a women's clothing boutique in Monroeville, PA. DHW Fashion- Monroeville Mall boutique was unique that it featured a prayer wall. The purpose of this prayer wall was to empower others from the inside. While DHW Fashion Specializes in providing their clients with clothing that makes them feel confident and beautiful, it is understood that true beauty comes from within.
Still inspired by her faith, Deisja pivoted: DHW Fashion has now evolved into a fashion house, where Deisja is the designer and tailor. She helps her clients to build their dream wardrobe through custom made-to-order clothing.
"Regeneration is a journey, and I look forward to bringing this journey to the runway!" -Deisja Williams
Brian David Thompson
Brian David is a Pittsburgh based brand focused on Red Carpet and Vintage Inspired evening wear. Brand owner, Brian David himself, has created a reputation for perfection and luxury with his commitment to traditional and “couture” techniques. Specializing in Evening Wear, Foundational Garments, and Bridal, you can expect to be in awe from the beginning of his collection to the end.
Brian does take on private commissions regularly. As a master Draper, he is equipped to provide any client with the beautiful fit he’s known for to keep up to date with everything new!