Ashleigh Verrier's Inspired Designs

Designer Ashleigh Verrier's fall/winter collection hits the tents Saturday, but those walking along 57th Street may have already gotten a preview in the window displays of luxury home furnishings purveyor MacKenzie Childs. MacKenzie invited her to show select pieces from the new collection after realizing that the two brands shared the same whimsical aesthetic and sense of craftsmanship, says Verrier. In store displays will seek to tell the story of the influence MacKenzie had on Verrier.

Another of Ashley's inspirations, in a different way, has always been her mother and business partner Jude, who was diagnosed with osteoporosis a few months ago. This new awareness led Verrier to partner with Viactiv calcium chews for her show. She also brought the sponsorship opportunity to IMG, and now Viactiv is a sponsor of Fashion Week as a whole.

The young designer may have taken general inspiration from the fanciful MacKenzie designs, but she her collection directly references the classic film "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," which set the tone for her collection of high-waisted dresses, skirts and pants that celebrate French-accented femininity says Verrier. Verrier claims as inspiration the "awkward adolescent allure" of the 21-year-old Catherine Deneuve, but the designer also incorporated recurring circular "umbrella" motifs — such as the Swarovski crystal "flower bombs" at heart and hip on one black shift — and also played with the color palette of the film. With all the city to choose from, her collection isn't limited to the influence of ’60s French musicals, of course. "As a designer residing in New York City, I am incredibly fortunate to additionally draw inspiration from more current outlets," Verrier says.


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