Meet Ashley Scott, the stylish brainchild behind the newest must-have earring line Drapes. Remember the Fashion Focus campaign that turned Chicago into the fashion capital it should be? Yes, those dramatic earrings that brighten up every fashionistas day came from Ms. Scott’s hands…literally. This designer is on a mission to take over the accessory world – one glamazon at a time. All of her merchandise is handmade and pure wearable art. The edgy creativity of the Drapes line and the designer herself is what we all need to help us express our different moods. Make your earrings the statement piece of your ensemble. We caught up with the designer to learn more about her line.
FACTIO MAGAZINE: Tell us how you started Drapes.
ASHLEY SCOTT: I was always obsessed with earrings and I want to put earrings back on the map as a main accessory. I started being interested in fashion and accessories because my mother was a custom designer. I used to take her leftover fabric and create accessories out of them and actually wear them. When people started coming up to me questioning me about where I bought my accessories, I decided that I could turn this into a business. A business of wearable art!
FM: You studied Art Education at Chicago State University. How did that influence Drapes?
AS: Art has always inspired me – whether it was an art history class or a drawing class, I always got something creative out of it that I could use for Drapes. Art has no boundaries and it taught me to never hold back. Art is an expression just like Drapes – when you wear my merchandise you are expressing a certain mood.
FM: What makes Drapes different from other accessories?
AS: Drapes are not a one-track accessory. They can be worn by different girls and women and I like to think my Drapes are timeless – you can still wear them years and years from now. I’m creating different lines at the moment to show my versatility and speak to a broader audience. Drapes are meant to be dramatic – they are meant to express yourself and not to blend in with the ensemble.
FM: What is your personal favorite piece from your newest line?
AS: My personal favorites are the shield tassels from the M.J. collection because one – they go with everything. I personally wear them with literally everything. Two – this particular collection was created for Michael Jackson and I love his personal style and I’m always so inspired by him. Three – they are just so flirty, fun and glam– they’ll spice up any outfit.
FM: What inspires you most?
AS: Faces of gorgeous, powerful, interesting women! I love the old glam era when it was still all about the face and fascinating facial features.
FM: What is one of your best memories in your career?
AS: The best one was seeing the billboards for Fashion Focus with my Drapes on there! I couldn’t believe that the City of Chicago was full of my Drapes blown up so big that everyone in the city could see it! Unbelievable.
FM: What music do you listen to, while designing?
AS: Beyonce because she’s my sister in private! But it does depend on what pair of Drapes I’m creating – it depends on my mood. So outside of Beyonce, I like to listen to Kanye West because his albums always translate into different moods. Another artist that spices up my imagination is M.I.A. because she’s young and fun.
FM: What should every woman have in her closet right now?
AS: A black leather jacket – it doesn’t even have to be real! A black leather brings a certain edge to the cutest outfit.
FM: Please describe your own signature style.
AS: Hard and soft! I like girly things like bows, lace, little cute dresses but then I combine it with combat boots, a leather jacket and of course a fierce pair of Drapes. It’s all about the perfect balance and expressing your personal style!
FM: What makes you intensely happy about the world of fashion?
AS: Haute Couture! When watching Paris Fashion Week I’m intensely happy to see the raw and artistic beauty of fashion with no boundaries.
FM: What are your favorite restaurants, clubs and stores in Chicago?
AS: I’m a vintage junkie so I love all the little vintage boutiques that Chicago has to offer! For restaurants, I would have to say Sunda on – I’m obsessed with their sushi and their Kung Fu Girl wine! When I do go out I mostly go to JBar or Crimson Lounge – they’re both really sophisticated venues with a diverse crowd that’s all about having a good time together.
FM: If you could move anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
AS: I would say London because it’s so edgy! A lot of my favorite designers are from London and I feel like I would never lose my inspiration there.
FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
AS: This is probably not surprising to the people that know me but I act out videos in front of my mirror. I get dressed up, do my make-up and dance out the full routine as if I’m really in the video! I think every girl should do it!
FM: What does the future have in store for Drapes?
AS: Expanding to various accessories, going international and making the fashion world of girls and women everywhere a more beautiful place.
Designed for the young, fresh and innovative, Drapes are available at RSVP Gallery and Black Market Caviar. The line is also available at www.ashleydrapes.com
Factio Magazine (www.factio-magazine.com) is a fashion and beauty emporium showcasing the world's most talented designers, beauty products, international fashion shows, high-end events, store openings, luxury products, galas and more. We are a mulit-media company that extends in print, web, e-mail newsletters, video and upscale events. Check out Factio Magazine for hot trends, hip people, and amazing events.
