Ashleigh Murray's NYFW Tribute to Black History Icons
Each year, the first season of New York Fashion Week falls during Black History Month, yet it's rare that the two events collide. Ashleigh Murray, star of CW's Riverdale, sought to change that with her front row wardrobe. Each outfit from her Fashion Week repertoire paid tribute to a different black historical icon, including Billie Holiday, Grace Jones, and Nina Simone. "My Fashion Director, Zadrian Smith, actually came up with the idea," she explained. "He pitched me the idea of referencing old JET and Ebony Magazines and before you know it, there was an entire mood board full of these amazing black women leading the team to a fashion narrative that celebrates these iconic women of style." In outfits that paid homage to her heroes, Ashleigh set out for an action-packed week of fashion shows, from front row at the Tibi show to the star-studded red carpet at the Black Panther NYFW event. Ahead, an exclusive look at Ashleigh's first-ever Fashion Week experience.
Mireya Acierto/Getty Images1/5Tibi
Drawing inspiration from Nina Simone, Ashleigh paired her voluminous Afro with a yellow Tibi gown and pointed-toe booties. "At Tibi, I felt a rush of excitement and nerves as it was my very first show and I didn’t know what to expect," she shared.
Her first-ever fashion show was one for the books: Ashleigh had an accidental twinning moment with Jessica Williams of the popular podcast 2 Dope Queens, and their picture went viral. "The dress is a key design of Amy's for Tibi this season and as they say, great minds think alike," Ashleigh explained. "Society is so quick to encourage women to see each other as competition, but I think it’s important we celebrate and embrace the pieces of our identity we share with others. So, when I saw Jessica, my first thought was 'she is slaying that look' and then it hit me that we were twinning. Photographers asked us to take a picture of the moment and Jessica was so cool about it and I was excited to meet her because I think she’s so talented. We laughed and posed for the camera. It’s one of those moments you’ll never forget and what a way to leave a mark on my first show of NYFW."
John Lamparski/WireImage2/5Black Panther Fashion Show
In a sheer Ermanno Scervino gown with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt, Ashleigh looked like Wakandan royalty. Paying homage to Grace Jones, hairstylist Nai'vasha Johnson created a style reminiscent of the black history icon's famous cropped Afro. "I received my Black Panther invitation on Friday night at 11PM," shared Ashleigh. "I had nothing to wear, but the team pulled out all the stops and when I saw myself in the mirror — Nai'vasha’s hairstyle, makeup by Cindy-Paula [Rodriguez], and the look Zadrian secured by pulling some strings to organize a last minute Sunday fitting — I felt like a queen." About her ethereal look, Ashleigh said "I loved absolutely everything from head to toe."
Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images3/5Zadig & Voltaire
In a look that would've made her muse Donna Summer proud, Ashleigh hit the Zadig & Voltaire show in a dress by the designer teamed with red studded boots. Her experience sitting in the star-studded front row? "Wonderfully overwhelming," she said.
Her stylist, Zadrian Smith, posted a Donna Summer reference image on Instagram, ahead of Ashleigh's appearance at the show. "I am of the belief that anyone who has been given a massive platform, should take this opportunity to educate and enlighten," he said. "With Ashleigh's New York Fashion Week campaign, we decided we had two options: we could either dress her up and send her out looking pretty like everyone else or we could take advantage of the moment to anchor her in cultural references that would come fully loaded with a message." He continued: "I think about how Ashleigh's young fans may have no idea who Nina Simone, Donna Summer, Billie Holiday or Grace Jones are, and by seeing Ashleigh use them as points of interest and influence, it is our hope that it drives someone to dig a little deeper and discover how these revolutionary African-American women defied the obstacles put in their way to channel a lane all their own — driving them directly to their success."
Mireya Acierto/Getty Images4/5Dennis Basso
Layering a blue Dennis Basso dress under a Willow & Clay coat, Ashleigh tapped into the color-blocking trend that dominated street style galleries this season. But her inspiration for the look was timeless: Billie Holiday's iconic performance looks. "I felt most comfortable at this show," she revealed, "because I saw models in the show I could identity with. It made it easy for me to envision myself in the designs." She sat front row beside model Flaviana Matata, actress Denée Benton, and Orange Is the New Black star Dascha Polanco.
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