ASHARD RICHLEY TRUNK SHOW
Dallas designer, Ashley Burghardt, will be featuring her exclusive line of handbags at the HEMLINE trunk show event from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5 at Hemline, 4439 Lovers Lane in Dallas, 75225.
Burghardt, named one of the top 20 designers in Texas in 2011 by Texas’ Next Top Designer, is Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk winning designer. Burghardt not only was the winning designer, but also took home a $100,000 prize. Burghardt started her accessory line in 2009 and named it Ashard Richley.
Amongst this designers many accomplishments, Burghardt draped in a stunning Armani dress amidst the Dallas Symphony Hall in D-Magazine’s 2010 edition of Dallas’ Ten Most Beautiful Women.
Burghardt’s infatuation for design was founded at an early age when her grandmother first taught her to sew. The childhood hobby became an impassioned dream as Ashley created a variety of dresses, purses, and swimsuits while in high school. She then followed that dream to Texas Tech University in order to pursue a degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing. As a design student, she ventured to Florence for a semester abroad where she studied at Florence University of the Arts and discovered her niche: Accessories Design.
Q&A with Ashley Burghardt
Q | Who is the ASHARD RICHLEY woman?
A | The ASHARD RICHLEY woman is a professional that has a fun side. She doesn’t want the same bag as every other woman but wants to be trendy and chic.
Q | It’s hard to escape mentions of your relative youth in relationship to the mature sophistication of your designs. What’s your reaction?
A | I’ve always been an old sole and a firm believer that age is just a number. I have experienced amazing things in my life that have made me a more mature and focused person. I am who I am and I think that shows in my designs.
Q | What are the wardrobe essentials every woman should have for fall?
A | Bodysuits to go under high waisted bottoms, nice layering pieces, and an ASHARD RICHLEY bag to finish off the look.
Q | What is your Best Weekend Ritual?
A | Taking lazy Sunday’s with my husband. We work every day but Sunday so it’s important to try and stop and just enjoy a day of relaxing and hanging out.
Q | What is your Best Wardrobe Staple?
A | Good necklaces and bracelets that layer well together. You can always jazz up an outfit with good accessories.
Q | What’s the best/worst part about working for yourself?
A | Working for myself means I get to create everything myself and control how my product is shown. The worst part is that in the beginning it’s only you. I don’t get as much time designing as I would like because I have a million other things to take care of. That’s just part of it!
Q | What challenges does your company currently face?
A | Trying to compete with larger brands. We are working on getting our name out there but some people are just so brand driven.
Q | How has your life and work changed since starting your own business? A | It’s become a lot more hectic. I’m always running around and working like crazy. There isn’t as much time to stop but I love it!
Q | Do you have a favorite fashion memory?
A | Going to the Ferragamo museum while studying in Florence, Italy. It was the most inspirational experience.
Q | What’s your best memory since starting ASHARD RICHLEY?
A | The first time I was featured in WWD. We were photographed at Vegas market and I was thrilled to see my designs in such a respectable publication.
Q | What’s your Favorite Meal?
A | Shabu shabu! It’s sort of like Asian fondue.
Q | What’s your Best Mood Booster?
A | Yoga!
Q | What is your most recent read?
A | Social Media Marketing for Small Business. Yeah, so interesting!
Q | If you could dress anyone, who would it be?
A | Angelina Jolie or Julia Roberts
Q | Where do you want to go from here?
A | Like any designer I hope to create a name for my company that everyone knows. I want a lifestyle brand that makes women feel empowered and independent. Maybe I can get there like Bethany Frankel…do a few more reality shows and build brand awareness.
Submitted by Alison Volk, Executive Publicist, PLAN B PR.
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