BON VOYAGE: How This Stylist Revisits Her WANDERLUST Through Fashion
PC: Jeremiah Cumberbatch
The year is 2019, and Ashleigh Ashton is in Paris for the first time.
For anyone that’s ever been to Paris, you know the overpowering wave of inspiration that comes with its first visit. You’re in awe, you’re rethinking your entire life, and you want to wear that tweed dress someone passing by just strutted in. But before Paris there was London and Cologne. And before that, Milan and Madrid. And before all, there was always her first love: Jamaica.
A wanderlusting soul develops early in people brought into the world as a travelers. Leaving the countryside of Jamaica and moving to Westchester, then Brooklyn, and constantly on the move made Ashleigh find solace and “home” wherever she sought it. Through community, food, conversations, and social circles, there is a part of homey comfort no matter what geographical location she is in. And yet, each destination unlocks a new version, a different creative way of interpreting comfort, fashion, and life.
She travels at home and is at home while she travels.
The following gallery of designs, styles, and photographs she styled and directed reflect just that. See how she brings to life the spirit of Jamaica in the jungle of NYC.
*This photoshoot is subtly inspired by her upbringing on the countryside of Jamaica as well as the colors of the Jamaican flag, and was shot by Jeremiah Cumberbatch and assisted by John Sargent.
Shauna Lee for Ashleigh Ashton, shot by Jeremiah Cumberbatch at Bryant Park, NYC
@shaunaleezy
Florré: What was the inspiration behind this shoot?
Ashleigh A.:This shoot was inspired by my love for traveling, which all started when I migrated to the United States (From Jamaica) and my first solo trip to Europe. I had an unrelenting urge to bet on myself by feeding my creative inner child through fashion and travel. Something about going to new places felt familiar to me, and I wanted to explore that nostalgic craving. I found a certain freedom to dress and be whoever I wanted, which made me comfortably at home in my skin yet displaced on foreign soil all at once.
FLorréWhat made you select these outfits, and how did you choose to pair them with the location?
Ashleigh A.Growing up I moved around a lot and so did my subject model Shauna. Because we both migrated from Jamaica to NYC, we were able to cultivate an artistic friendship. Actually, let’s call it a sisterhood. I wanted to acknowledge how we both quickly adapted to the beautiful chaos of city life, from the calm and tranquil vibes of Jamaica, as well as paying homage to our culture through fashionable escapism.
FlorréWhat does traveling mean to you? How do you perceive travel as it intersects with fashion?
Ashleigh A.Travel to me means living a great story (I’m not talking about an IG story) but uncovering the depths of oneself in new places, experiencing authentic culture and relishing in the experience in real time. When I travel it gives me the confidence to unlock different styles within, creating a juxtaposed point of view
“The notes of vibrant colors throughout this shoot are subtly inspired the colors of the Jamaican flag. The black depicts the strength, vibrant personalities and creativity of the people, the gold reflects the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight, and the lush green, hope and agricultural resources.”
- Ashleigh Ashton
Florré:What do you want people to feel when they see these images?
Ashleigh A.I want them to feel inspired and to take risks through travel and fashion (or whichever mediums they feel they could best express themselves with). I want them to know that it's ok to let their inner child run wild within their careers and hobbies. I want them to feel a sense of community, and to be inspired to reach out and collaborate with those in their circles. Shit that’s what i do and I love every bit of it.
Creative Director: Ashleigh Ashton @ashleighashton_
Model: Shauna Lee @shaunaleezy
Photographer: Jeremiah Cumberbatch @testthelights.
Photo Assist: John Sargent
Showroom: Showroom Seven
About Ashleigh Ashton, Creative Director
Ashleigh Ashton, currently living in Brooklyn, was born in the countryside of Jamaica and moved to Westchester, NY at 16. Now she finds her creative outlet working as a Creative Director, Producer, and Stylist as an independent contractor. She laces art and culture in her life and work, bringing her unique perspective to all things she touches.
