She later earned a degree in design from Fashion Careers College in San Diego. “I felt so much pride seeing the end result.” “There was so much passion in drawing a sketch, making the pattern, and then creating the whole garment, ” says Tipton. Designing this project collection gave Tipton affirmation that she had found her future career. She began sewing clothes for herself and her friends, and then created a full collection for her senior project. While enrolled in the ArtsTECH Academy at University City High School, she was introduced to fashion design and thought she might design theater costumes. Upon learning she was dyslexic at about the same time, Tipton turned to sewing as an outlet to express herself creatively.
Part of a large Hispanic family, Tipton learned how to sew from her grandmother at 7 years old. At 24 years old, she’s breaking barriers and shining a spotlight on frequently marginalized consumers within the fashion industry. Not only did she beat out 15 fellow fashion designers during a cutthroat season of Project Runway, she also showed the first plus size collection during New York Fashion Week in the TV show’s 14-season history. To say Ashley Nell Tipton is a force to be reckoned with is an understatement. Wardrobe Essential: Printed skirt or A-line dress Written By: Kai Oliver-Kurtin Project Runway Winner Ashley Nell Tipton
The Plus Size Focused Designer (and SD Local) is Putting Plus Size Fashion on the Map
