Ashley Romasko is a ready-to-wear designer for Tory Burch, currently living in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated in the Class of 2018 with a B.F.A. in Fashion Design and helped start The Manor back in her day. We talked to her about her experience completing the first editorial ever for our publication, her professional life today, and any advice for students about to enter the industry.
How did SCAD help establish your career, and/or what did you take from SCAD that helped in your job search (or career)?
SCAD felt like an internship that lasted for four years. I learned fundamental skills like drawing, draping, and sewing that allowed me to execute tasks at my first job. The professors were like my bosses and pushed me to be a more independent learner, just as my current bosses do now. SCAD emphasized the concept of intense practice in short sprints, and this mindset made me a competitive candidate for all of the design positions I’ve had since graduating.
What was your biggest break or turning point that allowed you to be where you are now?
After years of shaking hands, trying new things, coffee dates, tons of filled sketchbooks, and portfolio re-works, I landed my first apprenticeship out of school in the R.T.W. Studio at Louis Vuitton in Paris, France. Once I got there, I learned what felt like four years of knowledge in six months. That experience set me up to work quickly, more diligently, and more precisely than I even thought I was capable of. It was incredibly inspiring and humbling to work for the people I could only dream of learning from as a kid. This kind of “big break” is really a series of “small breaks” that lead up to this moment- once I achieved this goal, the work only got more intense.
Helping create The Manor is something (obviously) so cool to us! How did that process go, and how The Manor has helped you today?
Creating The Manor in the Fall of 2014 was so much F.U.N.! It first started as a concept that the SCAD media team wanted to explore since fashion is such a significant part of SCAD culture. I heard about this loose concept at a freshmen orientation event where you learn about different clubs. Shortly after, I organized the first photoshoot for The Manor and brought on a few friends who also had a strong interest in writing, photography, or fashion. We organized different operational positions and laid out the foundation for what we wanted The Manor to become. Within three years, we went from a team of four people to a team of 50. It was a process of dreaming something up, getting to work, and making it happen. There’s nothing more fulfilling than creating something that gives people a means of expression, and I’m so happy that you guys are carrying it on so beautifully!
What is your favorite project you have worked on since leaving SCAD?
One of my favorite projects I’ve worked on was my first collection at Tory Burch for Fall ’20. It was the first time I had worked on a collection with Tory herself and with my current team. It was really cool to understand how Tory’s mind works and observe how she utilizes her team to pull a collection together. Working with her is one of the greatest privileges I’ve had so far.
What are your favorite parts about living and working in N.Y.C.?
N.Y.C. is a place where you can make anything happen, meet anybody you want, and let your curiosity run free. I can go to the world’s best stores, see and examine the most luxurious garments in the world, go to 14 thrift shops in one day, go to my secret rare book shops, pick up some fabric, see a D.J., or meet an editor in passing. We get to express ourselves here every day through various outlets. New Yorkers are culture creators, and we have the resources to have a constant flow of inspiration no matter what career path you’re on.
As current SCAD students, what should we be doing now to prepare for life in the creative industry?
There are three things every designer has to do throughout their career: work hard, nurture your passion, and develop your eye. Working hard means getting up early to do things you maybe don’t want to do, staying up an hour later to make something perfect, and pushing yourself to learn more and execute better results with every passing day. Nurturing your passion is about taking necessary breaks to go to an open studio, gallery opening, or concert- doing anything that revives your spirit and makes you get back to work with more focus and a clear head. Developing your eye is about editing, learning, and refining all of your work while understanding what you do and don’t like. An artist’s eye is ever-evolving and always focused on mastering their craft.
Any words of advice for upcoming graduates about to enter the field?
Graduating seniors, I encourage you to stay agile, competitive, and persistent. Make people remember you by being yourself, being humble, and showing your hunger to learn. It’s only the beginning for all of us, so don’t give up and let your passion carry you!
Special thanks to Ashley Romasko
Interview conducted by Olivia Hawkins
Graphic by Day Toscano