About Me
Her passion for fashion started at a very young age where she learned to sew on her grandmother’s sewing machine when she was just seven years old, and only continued to grow her talents from there. Tipton went on to attend Fashion Careers College where she got her AA in Fashion Design and Technology. Her senior collection at Fashion Careers College was highlighted in the annual Golden Hanger Fashion Awards. She’s also showed her collection at New York’s Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012.
After entering and winning Project Runway in 2015 Ashley signed a contract with clothing retail giant JC Penny to design and be the face of their “plus-size” Boutique +
She has also designed Plus Sized patterns for Simplicity and her own jewelry line for K&M Accessories. Gifted in understanding the needs of the plus-size consumer Ashley released her first line of apparel and eyewear in November of 2017 and continues to work as a design consultant.
Strengths
Extensive knowledge of fabrics, yarns and garment construction
Able to design both knits and wovens
Have extensive print and embellishment design knowledge
Illustrating looks both by hand digitally
Expertise on fitting garments so that they flatter the body.
Merchandising a collection to allow a sales team to create multiple unit sales through many outfit options.
Fabricating and designing a collection that hits target margins
Creating a realistic Time and Action calendar along with the production team to make sure the collections open to sell on targeted established dates
Management style of having clear and open lines of communication, trust, planning, deadline management, vision/branding clarity, and motivating my team. I take pride in being firm, but fair and supportive of my team
Completely immersing myself into a brand with a clear vision that causes emotion to a brand not only with the designs, but also marketing and branding. I always have said that for the most part fashion is a "want" and not a "need". It's my job to create the "want" of the emotion of how a customer feel when they shop a collection
Expertise in direct to consumer sales
Knowledge of seasonal line plan development and the information needed on line plans to properly develop a collection
Clear understanding of the production process which includes timing, factory allocations, yields, markers, costing, cost sheets, etc
Creating, establishing, and maintaining a clear and exciting brand identity
Trim sourcing and development
Knowlege of planning photoshoots that deliver the brand vision for the season while staying within the budget.
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