Big Blue Foundation, the Frederick-based film production nonprofit behind the docudrama “Boomtown,” has announced development of its next feature film, centered on Frederick-born fashion pioneer Claire McCardell.

A defining figure in 20th-century American fashion, McCardell helped establish a distinctly modern approach to women’s clothing grounded in practicality, freedom of movement and everyday elegance.

“Despite her influence, Claire McCardell remains largely unknown outside of fashion circles,” said Rhonda McLaughlin, producer and production designer with Big Blue Foundation and initiator of the project. “She introduced elements we now take for granted — pockets in women’s clothing, ballet flats, mix-and-match separates — and designed with the belief that women should be able to move freely and live fully in what they wear. Her impact is both foundational and enduring — and it began here in Frederick.”

McCardell has received recognition in her hometown through the Claire McCardell Project, spearheaded by the Frederick Art Club and completed in 2021. The initiative included the installation of a larger-than-life bronze statue by Frederick sculptor Sarah Hempel Irani, joining the relatively few public monuments in the United States dedicated to women.

“As Claire herself said, ‘You can’t go back,’” said Salyer McLaughlin, writer and director of “Boomtown” and the forthcoming feature. “We’re living in a moment when some of the freedoms women fought for are no longer guaranteed. Telling her story is a way of remembering what was overcome — and what those victories cost.”

Production is projected to begin in summer 2026, with a targeted premiere in early 2027. The film is currently in development, with story, writing and production design led by Salyer and Rhonda McLaughlin in collaboration with Emily Holland, a writer and publicist for Big Blue Foundation with a background in fashion history.

Letters of support have been provided by Mayor Michael O’Connor of the City of Frederick, Visit Frederick, the Frederick Arts Council and city council member Sarah Hempel Irani.

Initial seed funding has been provided by Boomtown supporters Bryan and Charlotte Chaney of the Chaney Community Foundation. The project is currently assembling its initial group of development partners ahead of a broader public rollout.

Big Blue Foundation is welcoming conversations with potential partners and collaborators. For more information or to inquire about collaboration, contact Rhonda McLaughlin at rhonda@bigblue.foundation.

This article was originally featured in the Frederick News-Post.