A MOUNT Gambier entrepreneur has been busy weaving her magic into head pieces for top fashionistas over recent months.
After her debut runway at New York Fashion Week in 2017, Ashlee Lauren Designs owner Ashlee Kalantarian has made her second appearance at the annual Adelaide Fashion Festival (AFF) this year, showcasing her custom-made head wear.
“We work really hard to be involved, travelling to Adelaide multiple times in the months leading up for meetings and fittings,” Ms Kalantarian said.
“Being the only regional designer in the Couture Culture runway, we have to be very committed and have worked hard to get handmade pieces ready for up to 10 models.
“The most difficult part of living regionally is trying to get your foot in the door to these kind of events as we are easily forgotten.”
Ms Kalantarian is thankful for her social media following.
“If it was not for social media and our persistence, we would really struggle to get any acknowledgment or involvement,” she said.
“People think that trying to be a fashion designer in Adelaide is hard, try doing it from Mount Gambier.”
AFF creative director Chris Kontos has shown support in the Ashlee Lauren journey.
“He is always doing his best to keep us involved from a distance, which is no easy feat,” she said.
“He again managed to run a very successful event this year, which does Adelaide and South Australia proud every year.”
Ms Kalantarian’s team kicked off the AFF in October at the opening night.
“We viewed the Paolo Sebastian runway, featuring the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra against an all-black backdrop,” she said.
“This talented designer wowed everyone yet again with his ‘nutcracker’ inspired gowns which were whimsical and simply breathtaking.
“The Couture Culture runway was the following night featuring 10 Ashlee Lauren pieces via two couture designers.”
This year the designer collaborated with Eliza French and Lexi Bridal.
“We kept our designs to a more traditional and contemporary bridal look this year, compared to last where we showcased a more Avant Garde theme,” Ms Kalantarian said.
Following on from the runway, the team was thrust straight into the spring racing season.
“After the runway, we did not have time to stop,” Ms Kalantarian said.
“We were straight onto spring racing where we were busy stocking our Victoria and Western Australia stores, through retailer Coco and Lola and preparing for upcoming collaborations with social media influencers.”
Ashlee Lauren’s headwear was seen on SWF Boutique owner and wife of Michael Klim Desi D, Sheppard band member Amy Sheppard, Miss Universe Australia finalist Dominique Chehade and Friend in Fashion owner Jasmin Howell.
“We worked with multiple TV presenters over the cup carnival through Channel 10, including Caty Price, Kristina Costalos, Brit Lane, Gorgi Coghlan and Jennifer Keyte,” she said.
“It has been another successful year, but we have no time to waste as I have already been designing my 2019/20 collection.
“I am optimistic the next two years will see our national reach expand.”
Ms Kalantarian was also recently involved with Venture Dorm Limestone Coast, where she took out the Gold Envie and is heading to the United States for an educational tour.
Previous work with celebrity stylist Samantha Burkhart dressing Ke$ha for the 2018 Grammy Awards has given Ms Kalantarian a platform for further work with other stylists and celebrities.
Ms Kalantarian hopes for a chance to work on a piece for the prestigious Met Gala 2019.
