Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Romasko
Hi Ashley , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ashley Romasko is a graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a B.F.A in Fashion Design. Romasko started her career with an apprenticeship in the RTW studio at Louis Vuitton in Paris, France. She continued on working with Tory Burch, SEA NY, and Thom Browne in New York City on multiple runway shows for New York Fashion Week and special projects for the Met Gala.
Ashley Romasko was originally born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin prior to launching her career in fashion in Savannah, Paris, and New York City. Romasko is inspired by artistic movements in the 20th century, historical bridal tradition, pragmatic pieces from her midwest heritage, and the raw beauty within the modern woman. She aims to create comfortable and expressive spaces for her clients and encourages confidence within the process of creation. Romasko questions what’s possible and pushes for the highest levels of creativity with each part of The Collection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to opening my current business was full of twists, turns, and unexpected success. Coming from Wisconsin to SCAD was a huge leap, then graduating and moving to Paris was unimaginable for me at the time. I was eager to learn and wanted to take advantage of every opportunity I could to work and compete in Europe. Now being back in New York and having worked at a range of brands over the past 5 years, I’ve fallen in love with the private, and personal process behind VIP and bridal clients.
After six months of sending work to the design director’s desk at Louis Vuitton, I landed my interview with HR and eventually got hired for an apprenticeship. Starting my career in France challenged me everyday to learn a new culture, work at a standard of perfection, and deeply understand the nuanced history of fashion that shapes our design decisions today. That time in my life was full of learning, a lot of late nights, and second and third tries to get the assignment right. I was threatened to get fired if I didn’t pick it up quick enough, and after that I started working early mornings and late nights to catch up on what I didn’t know- but I didn’t even know where to start!
Each and every job I’ve had in New York moved at a rapidly fast pace and taught me how to solve problems I couldn’t anticipate. Everything from fabric orders, to shipping, garment development, sketching, and producing was thoroughly challenging to grasp at that pace. We would sometimes sketch 80 looks a day without stopping! That type of problem solving and pace prepared me for opening my own business and working under high pressure deadlines with my brides.
Earlier in February, there was a fire in my bridal parlor and I had to pivot my business to ensure my projects were safe. I took a huge loss for my business and had to start all over. Luckily, from all of my previous experiences, I’ve learned how to turn a fire into a great step forward and see it as a chance to refocus.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
“The Collection Inc” by Ashley Romasko is a bespoke custom bridal and menswear brand in NYC that transcends the traditional retail experience, offering a deeply personal and transformative journey for each client. The Collection Inc. invites individual brides and grooms-to-be into a collaborative process of creating one-of-a-kind attire that reflects their unique stories, personalities, and dreams.
The journey begins with an intimate consultation, where the bride or groom shares their vision, emotions, and significant moments that have shaped their lives. The designers at The Collection Inc listen attentively, understanding their inner worlds and aspirations. Together, they explore fabrics, sketches, and inspirations, weaving the client’s personal narrative into every stitch and seam.
As the bride’s gown or the groom’s suit takes shape, it becomes more than just a piece of clothing; it transforms into a symbol of their journey, hopes, and individuality. Each fitting session is a step closer to realizing a dream, blending artistry with soul-searching. The bride or groom witnesses their ideas materialize, and through this creative process, they might rediscover parts of themselves, feeling empowered and deeply connected to their authentic selves.
By the time the final dress or suit is ready, it encapsulates not just their style but their essence. The Collection Inc has not only crafted an exquisite garment but also facilitated a meaningful and reflective experience, leaving the client with a profound sense of fulfillment and nostalgia for the transformative journey they have undergone. This fusion of creativity, personal growth, and exquisite craftsmanship defines the emotional depth and unique allure of The Collection Inc by Ashley Romasko.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
One of my biggest gifts along my journey has been my community of creative friends, clients, and coworkers. I’ve always been surrounded by such high levels of taste and creativity and ambition. Additionally, my parents have always supported me to chase dreams and they always had one rule, you can’t quit early! Even if something was challenging and I didn’t like it, I still had to finish it.
Above anyone else my biggest creative support has come from my former professor at SCAD, Jens. He pushes me everyday to create better, dream bigger, research deeper, and turn my creative ideas into profitable business decisions. Every few months we review portfolios and discuss our next schemes. His idea of success and mine align: we always aim to have fun and push for higher levels of execution without compromising our integrity as people. Without him, I wouldn’t have known how to work and survive in Paris.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecollection.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollection_inc/
