One on One with Ashley Nell Tipton

In years past, the fashion industry focused heavily on the "perfect" type of body––a narrow waist, slim thighs and tiny bird-like shoulders were the ideal many designers used to create their garments. Slowly, over the last few years, the world has grown more accepting of all body types, allowing women of all shapes and sizes to find clothing designed to have a flawless fit. This industry-wide shift—though slow to take effect—has allowed promising young designers like Ashley Nell Tipton to simultaneously flourish and help impact positive industry change. 

Born and raised in San Diego, 24-year-old Ashley Nell Tipton has already led an extraordinary life. In November of 2015, Tipton was crowned the winner of season 14 of the acclaimed fashion design competition show Project Runway. During her tenure on the Lifetime series, Tipton was a frequent challenge winner and fan favorite; she ultimately went on to win both the admiration of the judges and the entire season. As the first contestant to win showcasing a plus-size line for women, Tipton is already breaking ground in the fashion industry. 

Since claiming her crown, she has released a nail polish line in collaboration with FingerPaints that showcases bright, bold colors. Her most recent project? An ongoing partnership with JCPenney producing their first plus-size fashion brand. The line is about embracing body positivity by showcasing colorful, fashionable and figure-flattering designs for plus-size women. With their daring #HereIAm campaign encouraging women to accept their outer beauty, Ashley Nell Tipton is the face of positive change and growth in the fashion industry. After showcasing her latest line at New York Fashion Week, FINE Magazine spoke with the burgeoning designer about her triumph, her upcoming partnership with JCPenney and her views on the plus-size industry.

Describe the months since your Project Runway win.

It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the plus-size community, and I knew it would happen. [I] just never knew when it would happen.

How did your JCPenney #HereIAm campaign and collaboration begin?

[JCPenney] heard how much I talked about the plus-size community. They were inspired by my drive and passion to approach things differently, treat the community differently and make the plus-size community feel good about themselves with that boost of confidence. After that, everything just kind of flowed.

What can Ashley Tipton fans and JCPenney lovers expect from the line?

Something different, youthful and fun. I really want the women who purchase anything from this collection to have fun, think outside the box, have personality and shine through the clothing. I don’t want there to be negativity [surrounding] the clothing. I want women to have that boost of confidence that makes them feel alive and know they don’t have to hide behind clothing to feel good about themselves.

How does it feel to be brand ambassador of JCPenney’s first plus-size fashion brand?

Crazy! I still can’t believe it. I’m the first plus-size designer to win Project Runway and have a plus-size line shown on Project Runway. [I’m] now working with JCPenney as a Brand Ambassador and designer for their very first plus-size line... I knew me making a change in the community would happen, [I] just never knew when. 

As of now I’m focusing on the JCPenney line. This was so hectic for me, with all of the deadlines I had to meet. I sometimes had to take pieces home to work on them because there was so much to do in order to have everything ready before Fashion Week. I do have a lot coming in the future—collaborating with other companies—but I want to focus on one line at a time. I always want to make sure everything is perfect. With the JCPenney line, I want to make sure the fit and quality is perfect and nothing was half-assed because that wouldn’t be fair to my fans and the women buying the collection.

Ashley Nell Tipton’s collection with JCPenney can be found online and in stores now. With a warm spirit and raw determination, Tipton will undoubtedly implement change in the fashion world, bringing quality plus-size clothing to the forefront of the industry.

For Related Articles Try:

Interview with Actress Melora Hardin

Anastasia Baranova of Z Nation

Behind the Scenes with Jasmine Dustin