Monroeville designer’s collection will be showcased in Pittsburgh Fashion Week

Monroeville resident Deisja Williams’ inspiration is from French fashion designer Christian Dior.

“Dior is a pioneer,” said Williams, one of eight designers for the Pittsburgh Fashion Week runway show on Sept. 15 at the Wintergarden at PPG Place, Downtown. “He was never afraid to offer a different perspective, and his designs have always made women feel good.”

When creating her line for Pittsburgh Fashion Week, she said she channeled her inner Dior and created pieces that are “chic and have an elegant sophistication, and details that are ageless.”

Williams will feature a collection of five dresses. Other participating designers are Emily Rouse, Starr Thomas, Brian David Thompson, Suz Pisano, Bradford Mumpower, Michael Kouri and Malcolm Staples.

Models are being provided by Pittsburgh-based Docherty Model and Talent Agency.The runway show begins at 7:30 p.m.

A VIP experience includes a champagne reception, light appetizers and an open bar from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. There will also be an open bar after the show. Guests can meet the designers.

Pittsburgh Fashion Week has new leadership. Henry Rothschild, CEO of Diamonds by Rothschild, Downtown, purchased Fashion Week from former owner John Valentine.

“We are so proud to be the new owners, managers, and producers of Pittsburgh Fashion Week,” said Rothschild. “There is a natural alignment between my company, Diamonds by Rothschild, and Pittsburgh Fashion Week, so our plan is to use our corporate platform, business, fashion, style expertise, and our commitment to sustainability to expand the Pittsburgh Fashion Week event platform.”

One of Rothschild’s focuses is going to be to connect designers with local boutique owners.

Williams had her own shop, DHW Fashion, in Monroeville Mall, which she opened in 2019. She said she received support from the local community through giveback programs, providing clothing for disadvantaged youths and fashions for cancer patients.

Merchandise was provided to models for photo shoots. The store closed and in 2022, she created a fashion house of custom, made-to-order clothing.

Most of her collections are made from sustainable materials because she promotes a zero waste lifestyle because there is so much clothing that is thrown away in the fashion industry.

Williams believes a runway is the perfect platform to showcase not only fashion but hair and makeup professionals. There are so many moving pieces to a runway show, Williams said, and she can’t wait to see the models walk.

“I’m so thankful for the foundation that Pittsburgh Fashion Week builds for us creatives,” Williams said. “Their commitment to community bridges the gap in opportunity, which truly encourages creative growth, not only in our city, but also in surrounding regions, as well. The Pittsburgh Fashion Week Runway Show gives designers a chance to share their heart on various topics, bring innovations to the fashion industry, and to highlight values and messages that serve to inspire current and future generations.”

Tickets start at $25.

Details: pghfw.com