TODAYS FASHION NEWS

 Simone Ashley is the newest fashion icon in Bridgerton.

Simone Ashley knows her way around the red carpet. The 26-year-old Bridgerton star may be a relative novice to the fashion world, but she's already achieved several huge style milestones in the past year, from sitting the first row at Prada and Chanel to standing out at one of the year's most important fashion events. Ashley's experience has been life-changing. She adds over the phone from Los Angeles, "This year has been a 180." "I moved around a lot, traveled a lot, and spent more time on my phone than I ever expected to in my life!" Through all of the emails, meetings, and script reading, I was able to find my voice. I was never shy or restrained before, but this year I amplified my presence."

It's an understatement to say that it's turned up. Ashley's career is taking off, thanks to a fragrance ad for Loewe, an appearance in British Vogue, and starring parts on Netflix's Sex Education and Bridgerton, but it's also allowing her to grow as a person. She explains, "We're all in this business because we want to amuse and inspire others." "I've been able to find joy in [my job], and it's liberating to have a feeling of community and the courage to express myself, whether in how I depict a character or what I choose to wear."

Bridgerton fans will have to wait until 2022 to meet Ashley's heroine Kate Sharma, but she's already among the series' most fashionable characters. Season one introduced Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, and Nicola Coughlan to the world of fashion, landing them several campaigns and brand ambassador gigs. Even though she's always been interested in fashion, Ashley has just recently received a fashion education. "For me, there was a huge learning curve," she explains. "It's just a matter of getting to know all of the designers, researching their oeuvres, and figuring out what makes them special." 'Well, what can be my voice, how am I going to utilize this [information] to express myself?' you ponder after learning more about their speech.

Ashley, who is from Surrey, England, grew up listening to Fleetwood Mac and adoring the free-spirited atmosphere of SoCal fashion. She has always felt like a California girl at heart. "I spent a lot of time in Ojai, where my family is from, so my attitude was bohemian and Stevie Nicks-inspired," Ashley explains. "I'm a huge summer gal who is still trying to figure out how to dress for the cold." I adore how my skin looks when I use moisturizer and highlighter to make it seem glowy, healthy, and chocolaty. I'd want to show off my legs by wearing combat boots with a spaghetti strap mini-dress or denim shorts and cowboy boots. I used to dress quite young, but working with Rebecca [Corbin-Murray, Ashley's stylist] has taught me a lot."

Ashley regards Corbin-Murray as a friend, mentor, and fashion resource who is always willing to provide advice. She says, "Rebecca works from the inside out." "She's been fantastic to work with since she always pushes me, and everyone around her, to be authentic to ourselves." We cut out all the 'What do you think would look better on me?' and 'What will make me feel less nervous at an event?' chats and got right to: 'What is your reality and what do you want?' Her concept is "finding your inner confidence and making sure you're the greatest version of yourself."

Ashley has been able to explore by focusing on the feelings that apparel may generate rather than keeping up with trends. Once the fashion months began, this talent came in helpful. "When I went to my first show, we were in the thick of filming for Bridgerton, so I felt like I was used to the craziness of fashion week," Ashley explains. "Going to Milan for Prada was an amazing experience, and I adored my show attire, which consisted of a glittery black miniskirt, crop top, and combat boots." I didn't grow up in a household where we wore designer clothes or went shopping at high-end stores, so it's been fascinating for me to try on stuff I'd never considered or imagined I could wear."

The front rows were as enthralling, especially for the globe-trotting Prada presentation, which saw Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons' collections premiere in Milan and Shanghai at the same time. "Just seeing how fashion and technology can bring us all together as a community was intriguing," Ashley adds. "It's a wonder that we're still able to get together and celebrate fashion amid a pandemic." Meanwhile, Chanel's '90s-inspired runway presentation this season had beautiful costumes and a couple of amazing music. "I'm a huge music enthusiast, so the soundtrack was perfect for me," Ashley explains. "There was a lot of George Michael, and it was a freeing feeling to see him." The models were encouraged to perform on the catwalk, pose and smile, and just be themselves."

Ashley has incorporated some of the fineries she saw on the runway into her outfit. The outfits she and Corbin-Murray chose for several of her recent appearances appear to be more Parisienne elegant than California cool. Take, for example, the bespoke AZ Factory top and skirt she wore to the London Fashion Awards, a chic ensemble that pushed the celebrity beyond her comfort zone. "It was my first time attending the event and the first time I'd ever had a look created specifically for me," Ashley adds. "Norman [René Devera, AZ Factory design director] flew in from Paris for my fitting and was fantastic to deal with."

Ashley had a certain tone in mind, thanks to a few references. "To give it that mermaid vibe," she explains, "We wanted something that had an almost liquid quality when the light touched it." "A lot of the images we called up throughout our chats were Cher looks [when she had] the long hair." One gown, in particular, had asymmetrical cuts all over it and wrapped around her body like a sari." The final garment successfully caught that mood, its stomach-baring cut, and simplistic design a breath of fresh air on a red carpet overflowing with glitter and print, with flowing curls by hairstylist Peter Lux and a bronzed makeup look by Alex Baby.

Ashley keeps things simple when she's not working, but she's serious about her footwear. "I have so many boots," she admits, "it's a bit of an addiction." "Doc Martens, Prada, and Paris Texas give me the feeling that I can accomplish anything." For comfort, I prefer shoes and flip-flops, but boots offer me that extra kick. When I put them on, I feel proud and powerful when I go into a room."

Ashley recognizes the power of clothes, even if she is still in the early phases of her creative career. "When you put on a corset on set, it alters your posture," she explains. "You begin to see how it affected women's conduct and lifestyle in the 18th century and you begin to regard yourself in a new light." Of course, the style has an influence that isn't confined to historical clothing. "We don't always express how a specific nail color or accessory makes us feel, or how it might impact the way we conduct ourselves," Ashley adds. "My girlfriends and I constantly joke that if you put on a little lipgloss and a pair of hoops, you're a whole different person; You suddenly feel as though you can get away with anything."