Since he graduated from Baltimore Community College in 2006 with a degree in apparel technology, he's exceeded his expectations, landing internships and sewing jobs with household names such as Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Rachel Roy and Cynthia Rowley. On Tuesday, the 30-year-old will premiere his collection for the first time in New York Fashion Week as a designer.
Shields, who is pursuing a degree in fashion design at the Art Institute in New York City, is one of 12 designers chosen to showcase their designs during the annual Art Institute runway show.
The show highlights the work of the school's top students. With professional models and hair and makeup artists among the backdrop of New York Fashion Week, this is a full-on production.
"To work with models that are industry standard is amazing," he said. "I would love to do this every day. It's a dream come true."
Shields immediately caught the attention of the faculty at the Art Institute.
"Deron was an easy choice for our Spring 2016 show," said Mai Vu, interim director of the department of fashion design. "His work ethic, enthusiasm and attention to detail, in addition to his talent, made him not only a perfect candidate for inclusion in the show, but one to watch in seasons to come."
This isn't Shields' first brush with the spotlight.
In 2012, he was cast as a sewing expert on Lifetime Television's "24 Hour Catwalk." During the reality show, he showed off his skills before industry leaders such as Alexa Chung, James LaForce, Derek Blasberg and Rowley. That experience led him to stints with top designers.
"It was a great experience," he said. "These are all people I aspire to be like."
Shields said his sewing technique has evolved leaps and bounds with his New York City work experience. That craftsmanship is reflected in his collection.
"I have one piece with over 200 hand-sewn ruffles," he said. "Another dress has over 400 hand-sewn ruffles. Those pieces are pretty amazing. I've really impressed myself."
Shields has come a long way from his Baltimore roots, raised by his grandmother in the city's Highlandtown neighborhood.
"I was bullied as a child," he said. "As an adult, to see people gravitate to my style and energy is a great feeling."
He remembers having to steal expensive fashion magazines from the supermarket as a youngster because his grandmother wouldn't purchase them.
"I was 11, and I picked up my first copy of Harper's Bazaar. I saw my first Valentino ball gown," Shields said. "He has been one of my favorite designers ever since."
Now Shields hopes that everyone will appreciate the strides he's made in the fashion industry.
"I want to shed some positive light on Baltimore," he said. "Not everything and everyone from Baltimore is negative."
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