About Us
What Makes Blackstrad Different
Blackstrad was founded by Mercedes Smith, a professional flutist who’s spent over 20 years performing more than 100 concerts a year. After decades of wearing clothes that were clearly not made with musicians in mind, she set out to change that—with concert attire designed by someone who actually lives on stage.
Our approach to concert attire is simple: if it’s not breathable, washable, and moveable—it doesn’t belong on stage.
- Modern designs that meet professional dress codes
- Soft, lightweight fabrics worn by full-time musicians
- Machine washable everything (really)
- Coordinated mix-and-match sets—no more one-style-fits-none dress codes
- Separates that can be worn offstage for maximum versatility
- Real reviews from real performers
And just as important as what we included is what we left out.
Most traditional concert wear—whether it’s a cheap tux or a pricey suit—was never designed for performers. Heavy structure, thick linings, and stiff fabrics make it harder to move and even harder to breathe under stage lights. That’s why we stripped it down.
We went in the opposite direction for suiting: minimal structure, maximum mobility. Just enough shoulder padding for shape, but everything else is designed to move with you.
From soft, stretch crepes to power mesh and airy linings, every detail is intentional. Better fabrics. Better fit. And yes, it’s all been road-tested by professionals.