Baltimore’s Designers Honor Grace Jones in an Event of Sustainable Fashion

BALTIMORE—On May 18, 2025, the creative pulse of Baltimore beat stronger than ever as Made in Baltimore hosted one of the city’s innovative fashion events: La Vie en Clothes Part Deux. This electrifying event brought together three of Baltimore’s most innovative sustainable designers for a collaborative celebration of the iconic Grace Jones, a living legend whose fearless style and unapologetic self-expression have inspired generations.

Set against the backdrop of Baltimore’s Made in Baltimore creatively merchandised shop and creative scene, the event was more than just a fashion show; it was a creative convergence. Guests were welcomed into a space buzzing with energy, where networking and anticipation set the stage for the event.

Each designer presented exclusive pieces channeling the spirit of Grace Jones, reimagined through their sustainable lens. The result? A dazzling display of wearable art that paid homage to Jones’s legendary style while championing the values of sustainability, inclusivity, and individuality.

In addition to the fashion show, patrons shopped the designers’ latest collections—each a reflection of the brand’s unique voice and ethos. Attendees mingled with the creators, explored individual photo sets designed for interactive experiences, and snapped photos with the designers’ work and live models, making the event as immersive as it was inspiring.

Why Grace Jones?

Baltimore has always been a city that celebrates culture, diversity, and the courage to be different. Grace Jones embodies these very traits—she is a champion of expression, acceptance, and self-celebration. In honoring her, the event also honored Baltimore’s legacy of embracing what’s bold, new, and authentic.

Each designer at La Vie en Clothes Part Deux brought a distinct interpretation of Grace Jones’ iconic style, blending her legendary aesthetic with their sustainable design philosophies:

Ashley Huff, Jr.

ASHLEY

@lovemorebmore

Ashley’s work is rooted in inclusivity, creativity, and community, all of which echo Grace Jones’ fearless self-expression and boundary-pushing persona. For this event, Ashley showcased pieces that blended bold, high-impact graphics with innovative materials like 3M reflective designs, nodding to Jones’ love for striking visuals and androgynous statements. The collections were crafted for all genders and sizes, mirroring Jones’ defiance of conventional norms and her celebration of individuality. Ashley’s approach to storytelling and advocacy for change further reflected Jones’ role as a champion of acceptance and self-celebration.

Nate Couser

NATE

@vashtibluejewelrystudio

Nate’s sustainable, handcrafted jewelry and wearable art are deeply personal and culturally resonant. For the Grace Jones tribute, Nate presented bold, sculptural jewelry and fashion-forward accessories that captured Jones’ avant-garde spirit. Drawing from his background in performance and visual arts, Nate’s designs celebrated Jones’ dramatic flair—think statement pieces that command attention and honor her legacy as a style icon who blurred the lines between fashion, art, and performance. His commitment to sustainability and individuality paralleled Jones’ own trailblazing approach to style and self-presentation.

Rich Rocket

RICH

@vintagethrivals

Rich’s brand is defined by risk-taking, sustainability, and radical self-expression, all core elements of Grace Jones’ public persona. For this exhibition, Rich transformed vintage, sustainably sourced clothing into one-of-a-kind wearable art that evoked the bold silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and androgynous looks Jones is famous for—such as the iconic wide-shouldered Armani suit from her “Nightclubbing” album cover. By celebrating all bodies and presentations, Rich’s pieces embodied Jones’ message of inclusivity and her status as a fashion icon who redefined gender and beauty standards.

Together, these designers honored Grace Jones by channeling her androgyny, theatricality, and unapologetic individuality through the lens of sustainability and contemporary Baltimore creativity. Each collection was not just a tribute, but a bold statement in its own right, much like Grace Jones herself.

As the evening drew to a close, La Vie en Clothes Part Deux left an indelible mark on Baltimore’s creative landscape, proving that fashion can be both visionary and responsible. Through the bold ingenuity of Ashley Huff Jr., Nate Couser, and Rich Rocket, Grace Jones’ legacy was not only honored but reimagined for a new era—one defined by sustainability, inclusivity, and fearless self-expression. Guests departed inspired, reminded that in Baltimore, style is more than what you wear; it’s a celebration of who you are and the community you uplift. This unforgettable night affirmed that the city’s spirit, much like Grace Jones herself, will always champion what is daring, different, and unapologetically authentic.