After visiting her father in a small town in Mississippi, Ashley Williams was inspired to design the equine-themed offerings she presented during the Fashion East Fall 2014 runway show.
The Amish-style hats the models wore down the runway were specifically inspired by an heirloom hat Williams received during her visit to the Deep South. The hat had special significance because it belonged to her grandmother.
Other than the hats, the collection showcased Williams's signature, bizarre accessories and adorable bags. The equine theme was present in a horsey clutch with a fringe mane., and her southern roots were seen in a snake-skin number shaped like the state of Texas. All in all, the collection looks and feel like a good dose of Southern hospitality.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Equine-inspired Fashion
- Opportunity for designers to create collections inspired by horses and equestrian culture, incorporating unique and whimsical accessories.
- Southern-inspired Fashion
- Opportunity to design clothing lines inspired by the Deep South, evoking a sense of Southern hospitality and incorporating regional motifs.
- Sentimental Fashion
- Opportunity to create fashion items that hold personal significance, incorporating heirloom pieces and nostalgia into modern designs.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Design
- Disruptive innovation opportunity to create unique collections and accessories inspired by horses and Southern culture.
- Accessory Design
- Opportunity to design whimsical and sentimental accessories that incorporate unique and nostalgic elements.
- Heritage Fashion
- Potential for fashion brands to tap into the sentimental value of heirloom pieces and incorporate them into contemporary designs.
