Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Harris.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started sewing when I was young – creating Barbie and American Girl doll clothes with the help of my great grandmother. I took an interest in styling myself when I was in high school while working at Forever 21 which inspired me to take the fashion design course as well. We didn’t have any sewing machines, but we would get clothes from the Salvation Army and embellish them with airbrush, beads, tulle and whatever we could find to hand sew or glue on. I then decided this was for me and went to Western Michigan University and The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC to study fashion design. I also landed a coveted internship at fashion mogul Vera Wang’s atelier while in NYC. I freelance designed for a few months after graduating, then headed back to Michigan where I worked in luxury retail for 4 years then Trim Engineering in the automotive industry for 7 years before taking the leap to leave my corporate job to pursue my passion full-time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. There were so many times throughout the years of working for other companies that I thought, “what’s the point” in continuing to create clothing out of my home and show my collections on any platform that would take a chance on me. But it always came back to my why – Because I love it, I’m obsessed with creating beautiful art and there’s no better feeling on this earth than seeing people wear my clothing confidently and feeling their best in it. There have been so many times where I didn’t have the money for fabric or any time to create a look for an event or photoshoot, but I ALWAYS made it work because I knew how bad I wanted it. I could go on forever about the 12 years in between graduating from school and finally being able to work on my namesake brand and launch my new brand, Drafted in Detroit full-time, but I’ll spare you. Just know that I never had a team or funding, I worked really really hard and kept going. I kept working at my corporate job to be able to keep designing and creating until I finally caught that break.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My career was heavily focused on evening gowns and couture dresses. I have experience in many areas from school however – suiting, some menswear, etc. In the past few years, there was a rise in upcycled fashion in an effort to preserve and use what we already have rather than always creating new. This is when I decided to change paths and create more ready-to-wear merchandise utilizing pieces my client’s already own that they would mail in to me. My signature is becoming patchwork styles where I’ll mesh the client’s pre-loved clothing with other thrifted goods.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Currently, I am my business’ only employee. Everything is created by hand by me in Metro Detroit out of carefully sourced goods from the local thrift or local fabric shops. This makes my lead times a few months out from the time you place your order. I love the connection I am able to make with my clients by creating pieces this way. I love to learn their story and what these pieces mean to them.
Pricing:
- www.ashleyharrisdesign.com contains info & pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyharrisdesign.com
- Instagram: @ashleyharrisdesign @draftedindetroit
