ASH & GROVE; FANTASY ECO FASHION AT VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

ash + grove

The brand ash + grove presented Tuesday 8th October VFW SS20. Covering a fashion week the way I like to involves getting up close and personal. Certainly, I love getting up close to the clothes. In fact rarely do we get the full impact of a garment from 3 meters away. However, there always exists an exception to every rule, and ash + grove is such an exception. In this case you need to take a step back to take in the full impact of these whimsical , fanciful and imaginative creations.

The creative mind behind ash + grove is capricious couturier Asha Singh. This Vancouver based designer honed her craft at the feet of her seamstress mother. Much like my own story, having a seamstress for a mother is like having a constant tutor. Imbued with a love of fabric and armed with proficiency and techniques Asha forged a path that would give way to the label ash + grove.

ash + grove is a clothing brand that prides it's self on being environmentally friendly. Asha Singh creates sustainable clothing, with locally sourced materials. Each piece in the collection is hand crafted by the designer and carries her affirmation of quality and originality.

ash + grove

my interview with Asha Singh...

I approached Asha Singh at the end of the evening. She stood looking radiant in one of her own creations. Asha was surrounded by her large and enthusiastic family taking photographs. The following is our brief exchange.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE COLLECTION ?

The inspiration for the collection is the Zodiac. I created twelve looks each dedicated to a different sign of the zodiac. Each piece in the collection has a story to tell . The different signs all have different characteristics and these are represented by shapes, cuts and colors. I love using bright colors. I also have a deep love for the planet and nature which all tie into the zodiac.

YOU USE SOME INTERESTING FABRICS CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT THAT ?

First a lot of my fabric choices are made because much of my materials re-purposed. In addition I rely on locally sourced fabrics and notions which lessens the carbon footprint and supports local businesses. I sourced much of the fabric I used in this collection from OUR SOCIAL FABRIC (OSF) a non profit textile recycling initiative. I enjoy combining a variety of materials and let the fabrics inspire my work.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR AESTHETICS ?

My aesthetic always includes my sense of humor, joy and fun. Certainly, that is reflected in my fabric choices and color. I feel tulle is so amazing, it is glamorous and fairy-like I also love the volume it can create. Certainly, I have a quirky sense of style although I always like to enhance the wearers beauty. I believe fashion should speak for it's self , if I have to tell you to much then I didn't get my ideas across.

ash + grove the collection

While, fashions shows can be about showing the latest garments a designer will market the next season, they can also be about a designer expressing themselves as an artist. Certainly, they can also be a combination of both. In fact, if you have seen shows by designers Alexander McQueen or John Galliano they represent strong artistic visions. Asha Singh is such a designer, certainly she has the skills and imagination to produce wearable unique garments and also the creativity to express herself as an artist.

Strong bold colors are used in a combination of recycled denim. The denim serves as a connection between the garments . Certainly, the voluminous gowns of tulle give way to thoughts of Princesses and fairies. These lavish dresses float down the runway , while a young man appears in a non-binary neon green tulle creation. If I use the word fantastical it might not go far enough to describe the overall effect. A yellow tulle mid length dress with denim jacket is sophisticated and glamorous.

Whether fantasy creations or fun dresses Asha Singh has a command of both her materials and her use of silhouette. Another standout creation is a black and white tulle and organza gown that would turn heads on the AMA red carpet or the Met Gala. Outlandish, weird and wondrous are just the beginning of ash + grove. This young designer is someone I am keeping my eyes on. To further explore the astounding world of Asha Singh visit her website.

Website: www.ashandgrove.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashandgrove

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashandgrove

Contact: [email protected]