From Senior Thesis to Saks (Nonstop)
Straight out of Parsons, Ashleigh Verrier's line debuts at Saks
NEW YORK - Wednesday, August 04, 2004
It’s barely been two months since she graduated from Parsons School of Design, but Ashleigh Verrier is already on her way to becoming a household name. The West Coast native has pulled off a major coup in the fashion industry: having her debut collection picked up by a fashion powerhouse—namely, Saks Fifth Avenue.
Colleen Sherin, the fashion market director for Saks Fifth Avenue, first met the budding 22-year-old fashion designer when she was asked to be a panelist judge at the Parsons’ 2004 senior class creations. Their paths crossed again at the benefit fashion show this past May, where Verrier (and Natalia Allen) tied for the designer of the year award. Impressed by Verrier’s talent, Sherin invited her to meet several key members of Saks Fifth Avenue’s fashion team, including Joe Boitano, senior vice president, general merchandise manager, Dana Kress, vice president, divisional merchandise manager, and Peter Herink, buyer, advance designer collections.
Soon thereafter, Saks decided to purchase eight of the nine looks from Verrier’s first collection—ordering approximately 40 - 50 pieces in total. “Saks’ support was incredible,” the former Proenza Schouler intern commented. “I was looking to have a store carry my senior thesis collection. I met with a few different stores besides Saks, but they [Saks] were there all along. They were very generous with their time and very encouraging. And also, I feel like I have this allegiance with them. They’re great at supporting new talent. I couldn’t say that with other department stores.” In fact, Sherin indicated that Verrier’s collection was the first of its kind from a fashion school student so soon after graduation. “For the first time ever, Saks has gone out and bought a student’s collection fresh from graduation,” she said. “Ashleigh [Verrier] is an indication of future placements at Saks. It’s an avenue for many other things to come.”
Verrier’s fall collection includes key pieces such as a bouclé tweed jacket and skirt, charmeuse blouse with netting detail, and a vintage oversized burgundy velvet coat. “What I loved was her use of texture and color, like the netting mixed with organza and beading,” Sherin said. “The cashmeres, silk charmeuse, and leathers were great too. She had pieces you wanted to wear right off the runway, which is rare. It was a tight capsule collection, but overall, it was all there. My favorite was definitely the pleated panel skirt with netting and metallic lace. We are certain that every piece will sell.” Price points for the collection range from $200 for a camisole to $3,500 for a cashmere jacket with satin crepe lining.
The collection, which shipped to the Fifth Avenue flagship this week, will be housed on the third floor with notables Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Oscar de la Renta, Behnaz Sarafpour, Narciso Rodriguez, and Alexander McQueen. “This is the ultimate test; putting the clothes out there. I hope they sell,” Verrier said. The collection will be an exclusive with Saks for fall, with a possibility of another exclusive for spring/summer 2005, Sherin added.
“I have shown them my spring/summer 2005 sketches. Here’s hoping for the best,” Verrier said.
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