…Escapism

ASHLYN (American, founded 2020) Ashlyn Park (Korean, born 1982) “Alex” bustier and “Drew” mini skirt, autumn/winter 2022-23 Bustier of gray wool twill; skirt of gray wool twill and white cotton poplin Courtesy of ASHLYN

ASHLYN (American, founded 2020) Ashlyn Park (Korean, born 1982) “Daniyah” Gown, autumn/winter 2022-23 Red silk satin-back crepe Courtesy of ASHLYN

For her autumn 2022 collection titled “Identity,” designer Ashlyn Park looked back on the style of her youth, and drew from her experience working in menswear while living in Japan. The ensemble displayed on the left was informed by Park’s personal love of school uniforms and miniskirts, while the gown on the right reveals a marriage of precise patternmaking and freeform drapery, and an interplay between sensuousness and minimalism. A mother of two, Park dreams of a healthier planet for the future of her children and  incorporates zero-waste design into each of her collections through clever pattern designs, minimizing the use of resources during development and production phases. The garments on display here comprise low-impact natural fibers including linen and reiterative wool, and are made-to-order for individual clients and business customers.  With ASHLYN, Park seeks to demonstrate that sustainability is not antithetical to luxury, and in so doing, she envisages a better future for humanity.