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 Sketches by Ashley Reid Charleston-based designer Ashley Reid weighs in on emerging talent, personal style, and playing dress up WRITTEN BY Ayoka Lucas
I started designing when I was 19. I would describe my personal style as slightly understated with pops of bold, fun details. My top two favorite items in my closet are a vintage white knee-length coat with bright embroidered shoulders and huge MARNI wooden platforms covered with pink paillettes. The thing that motivates me to design is expressing my evolving vision of style. In my opinion, the thing that makes a great designer is the ability to conceptualize ideas and carve your own style. My favorite fabric to work with is anything with texture, but I prefer natural fibers. My greatest accomplishment in fashion has not happened yet. One of my favorite moments at last year’s Charleston Fashion Week was the opening night with the Emerging Designers. The level of energy and excitement was so high! The one thing I wish I could change about the fashion industry is that it takes itself too seriously—I love brands that can lighten up and play a little. It’s just clothing after all—one gigantic game of dress up! One thing that I love about emerging design talent is their freshness and optimism. I think every women’s wardrobe should have a few completely, insanely over-the-top items. Fashion is fun, but fleeting. Style is developed over a lifetime and encompasses so much more than just clothes. My biggest challenge as a designer is sourcing production. My dream red-carpet client to style/design for is Alexa Chung. My inspiration wall is filled with color and bold graphics. The most bizarre design I ever created was purple and gold striped harem pants (while in design school). Most people don’t know that in addition to designing I also surf. If I were to make a mix tape for someone, it would include a lot of song selections by Otis Redding. He’s got so much soul and is my all-time favorite. The best fashion advice I received was to wear what makes you feel most like the best version of you. With my new collection showing at Charleston Fashion Week, I am most excited about working with my students and putting on a great show! |
Ashley Reid, who founded her sustainable clothing line, Clewis Reid, in 2008, discovered her path to a career in fashion design while pursuing a degree in anthropology. Inspired by the various cultural body adornments and style aesthetics she studied, she earned a MFA in Fashion Design from Savannah College of Art & Design, an international award through GenArt in New York City, and a spot in Charleston Fashion Week’s first Emerging Design Competition. As an instructor at the Art Institute of Charleston, Reid will join with several of her students to present a very special collaborative collection under the tents at CFW on Friday, March 19. Here’s what she had to say about her journey as a designer in our fun fashion fill-in-the-blank:
