Alumni
Grad Ashli Fell Designs and Produces Masks For Vulnerable Populations
Fashion Design Graduate Ashli Fell, the designer behind the sustainable handbag collection If I Fell and Monday Swimwear, was recently featured alongside Christian Siriano and Ralph Lauren in a POPSUGAR roundup of designers who are making protective gear and donating aid in light of COVID-19. In addition to producing masks for vulnerable people such as the elderly and those in essential jobs, Ashli has uploaded a mask pattern to her website so people can make their own from home.
Tell us about the masks you've made. Once I saw fashion brands were jumping in and making these I didn’t even think twice about helping. I started digging in my fabric stash looking for 100 percent cotton fabrics, doing burn tests over my kitchen sink to confirm the contents. My first mask took about 30 minutes because I used elastic for the ties. This is very easy to make so I had to put it on Instagram so other people can make theirs and leave the medical ones for the hospitals. I am giving them to vulnerable people like the elderly and those in essential jobs still working with the public. We are at a point now that everyone needs a mask, so I listed them on my site and sold out of the printed ones in one day.
You also uploaded an actual COVID-19 mask pattern to your website. Within every crisis, there is opportunity. You just have to keep moving and use your skills and I wanted to share mine. FIDM taught me a strong, classic foundation that I can use to make garments on my own. The industry has reached a point where things need to change, even before the virus. Our supply chain is going to be different, hopefully creating more manufacturing jobs in the U.S. For that to happen, I feel that education and online tutorials are the first step.
Were you surprised by the amount of interest you received from sharing this on social media? When POPSUGAR included me in the roundup with notable designers and brands making masks, I was pleasantly surprised. It gave me a more positive feeling than regular digital coverage on my brand. It confirmed that I am doing my part and that is fulfilling.
In addition to your handbag line, If I Fell, you are also Head Designer at Monday Swimwear. How are they dealing with the crisis? They have been operating lean and healthy since the start and are leaders in direct-to-consumer business. The founders, Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, have put their team first, giving up their salaries to keep the employees on payroll and donating to those in need. The Summer 2020 line is still launching in April and we hope to receive the continued love and support this summer.
To view Ashli’s mask tutorial, visit her on Instagram @if__i__fell.
Categories: Fashion Design Alumni
