Today we’d like to introduce you to Asher Levine.
Asher, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
21 years ago, I picked up a needle and realized I am not only good at sewing, but I loved doing it. That was when I was ten, and it has been an easy incredible journey thus far. I continued to sew throughout my adolescence, nurturing my ability through local 4-H youth clubs.
I attained a scholarship to Pace University in New York City where I studied Business Management. While in school, I began making my own weird, yet stylish, outfits to wear out to the Avante-garde New York club scene. I loved being surrounded by night freaks and became one of them.
I launched my first collection in 2009 in my last semester of college; an edgy goth vibe laden in leather and texture. I wanted to be busy the moment I graduated, and that’s what happened. I was scouted by Brandon Maxwell and Nicola Formichetti, who were then styling for Lady Gaga. They needed a giant oversized biker jacket for a shoot with Terry Richardson, which printed in a double widespread. I became the go-to designer for Lady Gaga’s rock star leather jackets, and other pop stars followed suit.
I began building business making rapid custom garments for musicians while using my collection as a testing ground for innovation. I began using new materials, processes, and technologies never before used in fashion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I doubt anyone who starts a business out of school challenging the notions of its industry is ever smooth. Every win takes ten losses. But through those losses are lessons–lessons required to attain the win. I once had a basement studio in TriBeCa that I lived in, classified as “urban blight,” no heat, no A/C. The building was crumbling, but I always make the best of a situation. I appreciate my team through the years that stuck with me through the difficult times.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in fusing modern design with revolutionary materials and technologies. I love making jackets and outerwear. I am proud every time my client is happy. I’m honored to be in the “Items: Is Fashion Modern” Exhibit in The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Unreal to be showcased the same building as Picasso, next to fashion greats like, Cardin, and Mugler, and Nervous System.
Right now my focus is to make jackets and outerwear that will blow people’s minds. High-tech couture Jackets. I mean, if sable fur coats are out, what else will compel people to spend the same price tag?
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am a creative problem solver. Every step along the process comes with a challenge, which I endeavor to turn into a solution, yielding a product that we couldn’t have conceived before tangibility. But I think the most important aspect is to stay positive in your perception of a situation. Making magic happen in entertainment with almost no production time is highly risky. When on a project and failure is possible, I continue to picture success in my head.
Pricing:
- My jackets start around 5k and go up to 250k.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asherlevine
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
