Bob Martin, of Waynesboro, is the innovative designer of that tent. He has also developed a DVD program to teach people the basics of fashion design. A graduate of North Hagerstown (Md.) High School, Martin, 30, earned both American and British bachelor's degrees in fashion design. He has been mentored by a professor at the College of Royal Arts in London.
He was valedictorian of a graduating class that included Christian Siriano, winner of the fourth season of "Project Runway," television's fashion-centered reality program.
While in London, Martin worked on the movie sets and costumes for "Batman: Dark Knight." He also designed the leather satchel that Johnny Depp carried in the film "Sweeney Todd."
"When he does that type of thing, he has to sign papers promising that he won't duplicate it," said Kristi Crider, who works for Martin's company, KKC Enterprise.
For a number of years, Martin also taught at American Intercontinental University in London. Not long ago, his Web site, http://www.howtofashiondesign.com, was launched.
His DVD program, "How to Fashion Design with Bob Martin," was produced for anyone who wants to learn fashion design or become a fashion designer, Crider said. It's intended for ages 14 and older.
The three-disk program has a resource center and an interactive studio where students can ask questions, which he answers as they do step-by-step projects.
Martin had noticed that portfolios of fashion design students in the United States were weaker than those of students from other countries, Crider said. Therefore, the program also teaches how to create better portfolios, which can be a great asset in getting into a design college.
DVD titles are "Garment Construction," "Fashion Drawing" and "The Design Process."
For garment construction, Martin designed his own pattern so students can easily follow him, step by step. The total program length is about four hours. The DVDs' menus make it easy for students to move along at their own pace or when time permits, Crider said.
Martin plans to attend the DC Fashionistas, a fashion networking assembly in Arlington, Va., in January.