6 minute read
FASHION
ONE OF A KIND
IS KIND OF HER THING
Wishlist By AM Founded Following Ashley Mortenson’s Lifelong Diagnosis
By Jessica Humphrey-Cintineo
One of a kind is kind of Ashley Marion Mortensen’s thing. Some may argue Mortensen is one of a kind herself. Mortensen, 26, has been battling an arteriovenous malformation, AVM for short, all her life. Through this life-threatening condition, Mortensen has experienced profuse bleeding episodes resulting in hospitalizations and blood transfusions as well as becoming disfigured. To date, Mortensen has had had 69 surgeries since she was 9 years old.
As of now this rare disease, unfortunately, has no cure. Knowing she could be battling against this for the rest of her life, she decided to take a passion of hers and develop a small business. Hence, the Wishlist By AM clothing line, which was launched in September of 2016.
“Wishlist is my creative outlet. This is where I find myself forgetting about all the negative and focusing on something I love, something I can control. With how disfigured I had become I found myself gravitating more towards fashion to help me build my confidence back up,” said Mortensen.
“I strive for all my designs to make you feel as comfortable and confident as possible.”
Mortensen, a fashion design graduate, patterns and sews all her designs. Everything is handmade with quality as one of her main criteria. In addition, every design feature oneof-a-kind variation so you truly are getting a unique piece just for you.
Wishlist by AM has teamed up with The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation (VBF) for its annual fundraising event Night of Fashion and Fun.
This event, to be held on Nov. 18, honors Mortensen, who pioneered Wishlist by AM while battling AVM. The fashion show features models with vascular birthmarks, like Mortensen, and original pieces exclusive to her line.
“I’ve always been drawn to fashion, and started sewing at a young age,” said Mortensen. “Together with VBF, we’re raising awareness and funds for AVM research. I would want nothing more than for everyone suffering from an AVM to have a cure.” In collaboration with VBF for several years, more than 500 hundred have attended the fashion show and more than $60,000 was raised for the foundation and for AVM research.
“There have been genetic markers found in most vascular anomalies but there currently is no cure and living with an AVM is a constant challenge for the patient and the researcher,” said Linda Rozell-Shannon, Ph.D., president and founder of VBF.
“VBF has become the conduit between the patient and researcher, and we are working tirelessly to find a cure for all VBARS, like Ashley’s AVM. We are thrilled to annually partner with Ashley and her company Wishlist by AM to raise awareness and funds to ultimately find a cure.”
This year’s fashion show fundraiser will be held at The Terrace in Paramus on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. and features a fashion show, music, dancing, dinner, drinks, raffles and a photographer. Pieces featured in the fashion show will be for sale at the end of the event. More than 200 attendees are expected to attend this year’s event. To buy tickets to the event, or to sponsor, visit https://birthmark.org/fashionfun.
All styles by Wishlist By AM
Photography
Ashley Marion Mortensen
Styling
Ashley and Adrienne Mortensen
Models
Ashley Marion Mortensen Katrina Rossi Kristen Kabous Bella Accavallo “Are You Sherpa” Sweater
Oversized Flannel Dress
Patchwork Denim Jacket
62 | Fall 2021 Pinstripe Dress
Boyfriend Flannel
Two-Toned Oversized Sweater
Snake Bite Long Sleeve Coming this fall; debuting in the fashion show
Boyfriend Flannels (full length and cropped)
Wool Coat
Patchwork Sweater
Pinstripe Crop Top Coming this fall; debuting in the fashion show) Pinstripe Dress
Scrunched Velvet Tee
Hackensack Meridian Health Golf Outing
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Kyle Tafuri, Dr. Kunle Modupe, Jeff Sofka Anthony Schifano, Aldo Cela, Bill Rahal Ryan Peene, Gail Gordon, Meryl Conte Clayton Bob and Dana Petrocine, Kate and Tom Eastwick
Cristie Woodard, Frank FekedeGregory Brun, Mirlana Morris, Laura Jeros, Jon Mechaly
Hackensack Meridian Health Golf Outing
Alex Sheyfer, Samantha Clayton, Dr. Joe Calabro
Robert Garrett, Ro Sorce, Joel Birnbach, Frank Fekede
Joe Burt, Claire Ward, Larry Inserra Robert Garrett, Kerry Reasoner, Michelle Casserly, Frank Fekede
Kerry and David Reasoner Aurielle Wilderman, Tara Kelly Kevin and Steven Martinez
Mike Horton, Mark Stauder
Warren Geller, Allison and Dr. Stephen Silver Mark Sparta, Dr. Michael Wilderman Joe Burt, Harry Gates, Dr. Anthony Passannante Jr. John Amoratis, Chris Rotio, Jim Kourgelis, Joe Madden
Jennifer Matar, Arleen Karn Dr. Sharad Sahu, Allison and Dr. Stephen Silver
