Mount Gambier headwear accessories designer Ashlee Kalantarian got the world turning heads

FROM her little garage studio in Mount Gambier, headwear accessories designer Ashlee Kalantarian has managed to turn heads globally, including that of American singer Kesha and those at New York Fashion Week.

Ashlee Kalantarian with some of the headwear accessories designed by her for her Ashlee Lauren Designs label. Picture: Supplied.

FROM her little garage studio in Mount Gambier, headwear accessories designer Ashlee Kalantarian has managed to turn heads globally, including that of American singer Kesha and those at New York Fashion Week.

After being crowned a gold winner in the inaugural Limestone Coast eNVIe Awards event, organised by the Flinders University, the creator of the Ashlee Lauren label is now gearing up for a 10-day whirlwind tour of the US.

Before she jets off though, she has to design a new piece for Logies outstanding support actor nominee Nicole Chamoun (Zahra Al-Bayati, Safe Harbour, SBS) for her potential big day.

Jockey Michelle Payne at the 2017 Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse wearing an Ashlee Lauren head piece. (Photo by Paul Rovere/Getty Images)

There’s also the new launch of her four new ready-to-wear collections around boutiques around the country, including at Designer Exchang in King William, by August in time for spring racing carnival.

Already, her creations have won favour with former jockey Michelle Payne, actor Jessica McNamee and reality TV star Nina Rolleston (Bachelor in Paradise).

Describing her sudden rise to fame as “surreal”, Ashlee told The Advertiser she puts it all down to “luck and good timing”.

A model walks the runway for Ashlee Lauren at the New York Fashion Week.

“It was really slow going with my bridal accessories business which I started in 2012, which I started while pregnant with my first child.

“Then in March 2017, I designed my pure fashion pieces and just did a few styled photos and put them on Instagram

“It sort of all came together suddenly. I got a call from Fashion Palette to host a runway at New York Fashion Week in September.

“Getting on the runway alone was a huge cost $25,000, not including flights and accommodation or overheads, but the local community got behind the business.

“A fundraiser and a Kickstarter goal helped us get over the line and on our way to a fantastic experience.

“And then this year, Kesha’s stylist Samantha Burkhart called to see if could style a unique piece for the Grammys,” she said.

Recording artist Kesha sporting the Ashlee Lauren headpiece at the Post-Grammy reception earlier this year in New York.

As a mum to two boys aged 5 and 2, she had to make decisions about how to make the most of her focus and time on the business and decided to sign up to the New Venture Institute’s Venture Dorm program for start-ups.

She expects those leanings to now help drive the business further, first domestically and then on a global scale — all from Mount Gambier.