ASHLYN SPRING/SUMMER 2023 “RESILIENCE”

re.sil.ience | the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. The ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity; flexibility; pliability. The capacity to use mental and physical processes and behaviors to preserve and protect the self from the potential of negative stressors.

ASHLYN SS23 explores the power of resilience in the face of challenge. Whether it be injustice, instability, unfamiliarity, illness, war, or the turbulence of life. For ASHLYN Creative Director, Ashlynn Park the early years of motherhood were chaotic, unpredictable, exhausting, touching, and staggeringly beautiful. The experience transformed Park and opened sources of creative energy and mental clarity which fueled her quest to generate new, innovative work and contribute to changes needed in fashion and its history.

The collection focuses on the personal journey of a woman who is a mother and eager to resume her professional life while facing challenges and navigating new terrain along the way. She experiences a re-birth of sorts made deeply beautiful because of the perspective and new wisdom motherhood has given her. ASHLYN SS23 expresses motherhood’s struggles & overcoming them, the resilience of the human spirit and body recovering from the myriad of difficult situations and explores the journey of a woman as a caregiver; a respected professional; a human being.

With the first runway show for ASHLYN, Park tells the story of the birth of the brand, the power of motherhood and the nurturing family environment she has created among her team. The collection incorporates Park’s former experience and talents in tailoring, pattern making, couture techniques and sportswear – weaving themes of dynamic tension, deconstruction of self and rebirth into the pieces. She continues the design ethos of ASHLYN from previous seasons and expands on the Zero Waste capsule collection launched with FW21.

Park has collaborated with dancer and choreographer, Yin Yue, the artistic director of YYDC, who explores the collection's inspiration and through movement draws the drama of the story of SS23. Yue opens the show in a zero-waste piece constructed from a single piece of fabric. Luxurious fluid gowns, reimagined throughout the collection from a single pattern, show Park’s attention to shape and lines of the body, setting her designs apart from traditional tailoring. Through deconstruction, the Theo Jacket accentuates the tensions of motherhood and the multitude of responsibilities that vie for one’s attention. Technical outerwear unveils ASHLYN’s first foray into sportswear at Y-3. The Daniel Coat exhibits functionality and utility while conveying a sense of tenderness and comfort through its oversized cut which serves as protection while navigating the cold world. A reconstructed and repurposed shirt from previous collections is re-formed into a voluminous gown evoking a dreamy celebration of joy and rebirth. Above all, Park strives to create an enduring wardrobe that pierces the heart and awaken delight in anyone who wears them.

Presentation and performance are captured by the lens of Sarah Blais, photographer and perennial collaborator of ASHLYN with new campaign imagery and a film for SS23.