2024 Designers
Nzuri Noni
Susan Morton-Evans, (aka) Nzuri Noni, was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the neighborhoods of Hazelwood and Homestead. Susan’s education began at Burgwin Elementary School, and she completed Middle and High School in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was during her Middle School years that Susan’s creative interests were born and thus began her journey of artistic self-discovery. Nzuri Noni, the Creative, was born.
In exploring her varied creative interests, Nzuri developed an ethic that is foundational in creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, initially focusing on fashion. Using existing materials and an already established wardrobe, Nzuri saw the potential to create exciting pieces, incorporating diverse materials and creative appliques, to expand her modest wardrobe, exponentially and uniquely, to her own design aesthetic.
Nzuri Noni developed a “Passion for Fashion” through her experiences of a challenging early life, family struggles and early motherhood tragedies, never losing her passion for creating. Nzuri Noni taught by example how to utilize inherent gifts and imagination, to boldly transform your present world into a uniquely, redefined reality.
Nzuri Noni’s wide range of creativity and entrepreneurial bent lead to participating in Pop-up Markets, Designer at Fashion Shows and Vending sales. During the Pandemic, she was inspired to design custom face masks, with a definitive fashion sense, which lead to partnering with her son designing T-shirts for on-line selling, as well as establishing Nzuri Designs LLC.
Michael Nolan Kouri
Michael Nolan Kouri is a fashion designer and owner of the Pittsburgh-based atelier design service Nolan Kouri LLC (contact via Instagram: @nolankouri).
Since moving to Pittsburgh, he has shown at Pittsburgh fashion week and Ecolutions ’23, as well as constructed garments for his wedding entourage held at the Phipps Conservatory.
He continues working with clients from New York, LA, Miami, and now Pittsburgh. Michael also teaches sewing classes at Cut and Sew Studio 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.
Starr has held positions performing alterations in national and local bridal salons and currently holds an Alterations Manager position.
Through these experiences Starr found the inspiration to create a clothing and accessories line that included her signature style and creativity called “Sew Starr”! 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!
Lana Neumeyer
Lana Neumeyer aspires to use her fashions to make a difference in people’s lives and wants her designs to send the message: “Be confident. Be happy. Make a statement!”
Inspirations for her designs come from the environment and daily life, and from mixing different materials and textures. Lana doesn’t follow trends, she makes her own. Originally from Goiania, Brazil, Lana’s passion for design started young as she grew up with her grandmother and mother making all of her clothes at home.
An architect by trade, Lana’s collection is full of vibrant colors with plenty of movement. Her designs are mix materials of different textures. Her clothes are consistently bright with a lot of colors, often floral. “I'll do a little transparency to add some sensuality, but for the most part I like long, flowing pieces. I want my designs to be fun and entertaining.”
Bradford Mumpower
Bradford Mumpower is a self taught fashion designer and artist based in the East End of Pittsburgh.
He has a passion for using unconventional materials like maps, trash bags, candy bar wrappers and icicles to create clothing and wearable sculptures.
Mumpower's work has been seen on runways in Pittsburgh, New York, Boston, Las Vegas and San Antonio.
Suz Pisano
Inspired by dance & movement, Suz Pisano designs with comfort & ease of wearability in mind.
Her design studio which she affectionately refers to as “Sparkle Studio” affords her the ability to design & create in an environment filled with inspiration & rhinestones.
After almost 30 years of designing accessories, costumes, and décor, she’s curated an enviable clientele and now specializes in Custom Bridal, Pageant, and Costume.
Suz strives not only to stay on top of industry trends but to stretch her knowledge & abilities by constantly working with new materials. Her wealth of fabric & material knowledge has driven her business from manufacturing giant playground cushions made with marine vinyl to velvet stage curtains for local venues.
A studio filled with industrial machines enables her to tackle more challenging projects. You’ve most likely seen her work on national TV - (Dance Moms-3 seasons) or on professional entertainers. She’s worked with many professional dancers & choreographers around the world.
Suz is honored to have been chosen this year to work with materials provided by Sustainable Composites who recycle leather scrap from industry.
Brian David
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 couture techniques. With his 16 years of experience building costumes for on and off Broadway productions, ballet, opera, tv, and movies David has acquired the skills of a master draper, pattern maker, tailor
Offering a wide range of services, his hands on approach gives his a clients a one of a kind experience. With appointments available 7 days a week, Brian is ready to take your ideas and turn them into reality.
Nicole O’Brien
Nicole O’Brien is a Fashion Industry professional with 10 years of experience in designer collaboration, clothing production, and product development.
She has had the pleasure of providing mentorships and sewing education to the Pittsburgh area.
It’s her goal to continue building strong relationships with other creatives to allow for growth within the artist community.