Ashley Williams: VOGUE.COM

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON vogue.com - January 2014

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Fashion East alumni Ashley Williams is best known for her signature graphic prints and tongue-in-cheek designs, including the popular teddy bear backpacks that featured in her autumn/winter 2013 collection, which are championed by the likes of Cara Delevingne and Rihanna.

• In 1999 Ashley Williams moved to the UK having grown up in the UAE.
• In June 2012, she graduated from Westminster University after studying for a BA in womenswear. Alice Dellal and Pixie Geldof walked for her graduate collection after which the fashion press tipped her for success.
• In February 2013, she showed her first collection with Fashion East at London Fashion Week. The collection had a strong Americana influence and featured Elvis prints and her now-iconic teddy bear bag.
• In September 2013 she showed her second collection under Fashion East. The spring/summer 2014 collection featured graphic speedboat prints and denim shark handbags. Friends Pixie Geldof and Harry Styles sat front row.
• In October 2013, Mattel commissioned Williams to create a limited-edition bag inspired by their new line of fairytale dolls. She designed a run of three plush racoon handbags which were sold at Selfridges.
• In November 2013 Williams announced a design collaboration with Pixie Geldof. The pair created a jewellery collection under their label Funky Offish - a term coined by the girls meaning funky but also official - and showcased eight kitsch pieces.
• In December 2013 it was announced that Williams would once again show under the Fashion East mantle for autumn/winter 2014 alongside Helen Lawrence and Louise Alsop.