More than just a ‘statement’ – fashion changes lives
Posted on March 6, 2014 By Editor Articles, Neighborhood News, Top Stories
Designer Ashley DeRamus and her mother Connie were tired, tired of clothing not fitting her frame and their shared desire to find clothes turned the frustrated fashionistas into fashion moguls. When fashion didn’t quite fit and options didn’t flatter, the mother and daughter team went to work and broke the mold. “We would end up buying clothes and go straight to the store to get them altered, and often alterations cost as much as the clothes and I would have so much invested in her clothing,” said mom Connie. After growing tired of expensive remedies, they left sweatpants, t-shirts and other solutions behind, eventually taking matters into their own hands.
With a background in interior design, Connie quickly went to work alongside Ashley, her best model and spokesperson. Through fashion channels, publications and other Down syndrome organizations, help was on the way for other mothers, caretakers and Down syndrome individuals all over the world. A clothing line began to take shape after hours and hours of hard work and determination. The clothing line, Ashley by Design, made its debut two years ago to rave reviews, as clothing tailored to differing body types and “Down’s frames” didn’t exist prior to the design line. Emerging from their creations were fashionable cuts, patterns and styles– not to mention– happy, smiling faces on many satisfied clients around the globe. For more information on the clothing line, visit www.ashleybydesign.com.