On Sunday, December 8, 2019 members were invited to an exclusive event with three engaging speakers, each sharing insight into a different aspect of the industry – past, present, and future.

BMI executive director, Anita Kassof, moderated the panel discussion in the BMI’s recently renovated Communications Gallery. Senior BMI educator, Jack Burkert, presented an overview of how the needle trades took root in Baltimore in the mid-19^th century. Sally Di Marco, Fashion Director of SEW Bromo, discussed her involvement in the creation of the BMI’s Garment Loft exhibit in the 1980s. Baltimore fashion designer, Stacy Stube shared her insight into the revitalization of Baltimore as a hub for manufacturing today.

Members had the opportunity to submit questions to the panel as well as get up close to a variety of garment artifacts and objects. The event concluded with a light reception and tour of the Garment Loft, providing additional one-on-one time with our panel experts.

Jack Burkert

A Baltimore native, Jack has worked as a Museum Educator at the BMI since 2010. He graduated from the University of Maryland and spent his 40+ career in various educator roles in the Baltimore City School system, at the Pennsylvania State University, through private employers and in his own consulting firm. Jack’s specialty is his research into the history of Baltimore, its port, businesses, people and immigration. Read a recent article written by Jack for the BMI on industrial steelmaking.

Sally Di Marco

Sally Di Marco is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and Johns Hopkins University. Within the education system, Sally has served as an instructor, advisor, and executive board member for colleges and universities, including Baltimore City Community College, Stevenson University, and the ManneqART organization. Currently she is the Fashion Director at SEW Bromo. Read about Sally’s family, Italian immigrants who built lives working in Baltimore’s garment industry.

Stacy Stube

Indonesian American fashion designer Stacy Stube is based between Bali, Indonesia, and Baltimore, Maryland. Stacy holds a Masters of Arts in Fashion Entrepreneurship from the London College of Fashion. Driven by her passion to revitalize the garment industry in Baltimore, the designer manages a 43-year old fashion factory with over 30-sewing machine operators. As Head of Innovation for Fashions Unlimited, Stacy works to build a future for apparel manufacturing onshore for fashion entrepreneurs. Read about Stacy’s journey from Bali to Baltimore.