ZAMRIE PRESS
KIT
Fresh off her stint at the Chicago Fashion Incubator, this CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR 2009/2010
local girl knows a thing or two about high fashion. After working under fashion gods Zac Posen and Peter Som, designer Ashley Zygmunt has incorporated her sense of comfort and ease into ZAMRIE. Designing a collection of blouses where practicality and high style directly coexist, Ashley aims to satisfy the diverse needs of every woman. “I love using lightweight fabrics that grace the body; a classic shape infused with understated details transitions seamlessly from day to night.” A statement piece in itself, but effortlessly personalize the look with your own accessories. Versatility is key when looking for comfort and high stylethis can all be found in a ZAMRIE blouse.
Left: 2009 Chicago Fashion Incubator designers Top: Mayor Richard M. Daley and Macy’s announces Tommy Hilfiger as the Master Designer for the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State.
Above: Ashley being interviewed for the Fashion Focus Chicago Fashion Show
• CFI Pop Up Shop, 900 North Shops, BESTSELLER • Feautred in Chicago FASHION FOCUS, October 2009-2012 • 1 of 6 chosen designers for the 2009 CFI Class
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Alumni Profile
“Some of my favorite
nighs are working late. If you don’t love it you won’t succeed. But if you work hard, and love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” -Ashley Zygmunt Purdue University Alumnus Magazine Profile
ASHLEY ZYGMUNT Cut from a different cloth When it comes to top fashion cities, New York City consistently ranks in the top four, along with London, Paris, and Milan. Chicago is a quieter contender. On Global Language Monitor’s ranking of top fashion cities, Chicago appeared for the first time in 2010, where it ranked #37, rising to #36 in 2011. (By contrast with other US cities, New York was #2, Los Angeles #5, and Las Vegas #16.) » ZAMRIE.COM But Purdue graduate and fashion designer Ashley Zygmunt, (HHS’08), feels Chicago’s “up and coming” status makes it just the right place for her. Zygmunt gained extensive experience during two New York internships with fashion greats Zac Posen and Peter Som. She worked for a short time in corporate about buying local designs. As for the ZAMRIE Retailers fashion, but learned quickly that it wasn’t the place for her. city’s industry status, she says, “I think ZAMRIE collections “It was just too stuffy,” she says. “I was miserable.” On Chicago can continue to grow. We don’t can be found at the the phone one night, Zygmunt’s mother suggested she look have New York’s reputation but we’re following stores: closer to Chicago for opportunities. That night, Zygmunt starting to move up again.” Chicago got online and found the Chicago Fashion Incubator, which ZAMRIE INS AND OUTS OF BUSINESS provides six designers with resources and work space for a year, Perchance Zygmunt has also dealt with all new enabling them to make community connections and start their Elmhurst, IL designers’ general business challenges: businesses. redE Boutique finding startup funding, doing finanMAKING THE MOVE cials, and understanding the retail price Hinsdale, IL Hollis Zygmunt was accepted for 2009. Through CFI, she started her points to make collections viable for own label, ZAMRIE, which offers versatile women’s clothes that the market. Oak Park, IL can be worn for anything from office to evening occasions. She “My Purdue education really Anana’s Boutique introduced her first collection in 2010. prepared me for that,” she says. “It’s Naperville, IL Chicago’s less developed fashion industry poses several amazing how many designers from art Dean’s Clothing unique challenges. Chicago doesn’t have New York’s selection of schools have no idea how to do busifabric, buttons, and zippers ready in stores. Instead, she orders ness — they only know design. At the from sales reps. “It takes a lot more planning,” she says. “In New end of the day, this is a business. Purdue made me take business York, you get your fabric that day, but in Chicago, you order courses along with design. I didn’t appreciate the importance of fabric and wait a week, or up to six.” that at the time, but I do now.” “There are also not as many factories as in New York,” she Zygmunt is not afraid of hard work. “The hours are long,” says. “I’m still learning which factories are good at what.” she says. “But some of my favorite nights are working late. If you But, she says, it’s a lot easier for small designers to succeed don’t love it, you won’t succeed. But if you work hard, and you in Chicago. “In New York, there are so many small labels,” she love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work,” she adds. “And you explains. Chicago’s less developed market means more opporcan do anything you want to do.” tunity. “There aren’t as many designers, so sales reps here need Melanie A. Hahn your business.” And for locals, there’s a certain “coolness factor” www.purduealumnus.org
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purdue alumnus 57
Chicago Sun-Times
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September 2011
CS Magazine June 2011
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CS Magazine
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April 2011
May 2, 2011
Crain’s Chicago Business May 2, 2011
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Today’s Chicago Woman
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April 2011
Front Desk Magazine April 2011
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PRINT PRESS
Time Out Chicago April 16, 2010
Women’s Wear Daily April 20, 2010
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PRINT PRESS
TURN Magazine September 2010
“
I’d like to see Chicago become an established fashion mecca, and for myself, I’d like to have this be the start of building a fashion empire.
”
-Ashley Zygmunt
Chicago Sun Times Article
Chicago Sun Times February 17, 2009
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PRINT PRESS
ME: In Focus
September 2010
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PRINT PRESS
“
I call it the easy-wear collection. You’re walking around in the morning thinking ‘What should I wear?’ and you throw on a blouse with your closet staples. You don’t need accessories to make it look good.
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-Ashley Zygmunt CS Magazine article
CS Magazine April 2010
Chicago Magazine December Issue 2010
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PRINT PRESS
CS Magazine March 2010
CS Magazine May 2010
Chicago Reader Chicago Reader
September 2010
March 2010
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ONLINE PRESS
Destination Wedding: Stick with a Little Black Dress, the Zamrie Wesley dress would be perfect! Pair it with some long necklaces, bracelets or rings, and a pair of colored pumps — this allows you to accessorize according to the destination. Caribbean based wedding? Add dashes of hot pink, turquoise and yellow! Manhattan based wedding? Add dashes of mint, lavender or red!
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05.02.2012 Zamrie designer Ashley Zygmunt is inspired by her grandparents for Fall 2012 Exuding a sophisticated modernity, Chicago brand Zamrie draws inspiration from different generations of style and all types of women, ranging from the elegant grandmother to the bold, confident best friend. The stylish yet comfortable and versatile pieces are the brainchild of designer Ashley Zygmunt.
ONLINE PRESS
The creative personality began her career working for some of New York City’s greats including Zac Posen and Peter Som, but has also catered to mainstream, everyday women with three collaborated collections for the retail giant, Walmart. Yet, passionate as she was about the New York fashion scene, Zygmunt wasn’t satisfied. Determined to move back to her hometown of Chicago, she took her mother’s advice and did an internet search for “Chicago fashion.” “Through the search I found the application for the 2009 class of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) and it was on the first web page I clicked on. It was the Sunday before the Friday it was due. I frantically started creating a company that today I am proud to call Zamrie. That Friday, the application was successfully handed in and I waited/sweated/held my breath to see if I would get an interview,” Zygmunt explained. “Two weeks later I was on my way home for Thanksgiving and got the call while on the plane. The interview was rough. I talked for almost the entire thing and was told it wouldn't be until January whether or not I would be accepted.” A month later, she was selected as one of the 6 Designers in Residence for the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Zygmunt began her year at CFI in March of 2009 and Zamrie was born.
To find her inspiration, the Chicago designer thinks outside of the box and doesn’t always look to department stores and the runway for ideas. “I am always, everyday, inspired by real women on the street, and by what is not in department stores. I like being different, in the way where I can wear the same piece different ways and outsiders think I have a completely different outfit on. I try to have all my Zamrie pieces to have that ability,” she described. Confirming the collection isn’t specifically created for any age group, Zygmunt looked to her grandparents in her vision for the Fall 2012 collection. She evoked their staple ensembles and the little details that enhance each piece. “I always remember my grandpa wearing sweaters and blazers that were piped, plaid, or warm and cozy. My grandmother always had a housecoat on because she was cold, but underneath I remember her wearing beautiful silhouettes which could be worn by themselves and be a classic staple,” she reminisced. “I wanted to make a line for winter where you can't wait to wear sweaters, classic dresses that can be layered, and tops with prints and class which are more exciting than a boring button up. I wanted to mix classy sophistication with a bit of elegant yet mysterious edge. Like my grandma always said, just show a little to keep it interesting.” The new Fall styles portray warmth with easy-to-wear dresses, stylish mini-skirts, modern buttonup dresses, classy blouses and peplum blazers in comforting shades of red, blue, orange and neutrals. Pieces can easily be combined for layering or styled with opaque tights.
Like my grandma always said, “Just show a little to keep it interesting.” http://www.ladylux.com/style/site/article/ zamrie-designer-ashley-zygmunt-is-inspiredby-her-grandparents-for-fall-201/
In the three years since Zamrie’s launch, the brand has received a lot of buzz and has helped evolve street style in the Chicago fashion scene. For the upcoming seasons, Zygmunt plans to simply give the customer what she wants. “We are looking into using new and more convenient fabrications. A lot of my competitors use silk, which I have noticed my customer doesn't respond to as well. I have realized the Zamrie woman likes the easiness of washable textiles. Taking items to the dry cleaners isn't what people today want to do. People like convenience. I am sure at some point in your life you have done something or not done something because of convenience. I am trying to give that to Zamrie women everywhere, while still feeling like a million bucks while wearing the label,” Zygmunt explained.
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ONLINE PRESS
Apr
ZAMRIE Fall/Winter Collection Sneak Peek
Ashley Zygmunt designer of ZAMRIE is giving us a sneak peek at her Fall/Winter 2012 collection and I like what I see as well as I’m looking forward to the full collection. About ZAMRIE: Chicago native Ashley Zygmunt started her career working under high fashion powerhouses Zac Posen and Peter Som in New York City. Upon returning to the Windy City, Zygmunt was chosen as one of six designers for the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2009. Sponsored by the City of Chicago and Macy’s, this promising program helped her launch her own label ZAMRIE. A collection of stylish, wearable pieces that are made for mixing matching, the ZAMRIE collection oozes sophistication and intrigue. Bold prints in classic silhouettes and feminine detailing are a staple of the Zygmunt’s collection. Versatile blouses, tanks, tunics, skirts, jackets and more are available each season in a variety of prints, solids and styles.
http://majordilemma.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/zamrie-fallwinter-collection-sneak-peek/ Major Dilemma April 5, 2012
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNIE BELL FOR WINNING THE ZAMRIE TUNIC!
ONLINE PRESS
Dear Fashionistas, Chicago native and fashion-forward designer Ashley Zygmunt started her career working under high fashion powerhouses Zac Posen and Peter Som in New York City. Returning to the Windy City, Zygmunt was chosen as one of six designers for the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2009. Sponsored by the City of Chicagoand Macy’s, this promising program helped her launch her own label ZAMRIE. She sets her self apart with a collection of stylish, wearable pieces that are made for mixing and matching. The ZAMRIE collection oozes sophistication and intrigue. Bold prints in classic silhouettes and feminine detailing are a staple of the Zygmunt’s collection. What we love about the collection most, are the variety of prints, solids and styles. A Fashionista Chicago staple! So we wanted to give you a chance to add a bit of ZAMRIE to your style. This wonderful whimsical print tunic is perfect for city lights in the Windy City or anywhere you feel like adding a little pizzazz! A $295 Value! All you need to do to win this fab tunic is simply: Like ZAMRIE Facebook Page Like Fashionista Chicago Facebook Page Comment here on where you would where this City Lights Tunic Winner will be announced on Sunday Evening! 4/15/12. Stay Tuned! Good Luck! Nicki
ZAMRIE by Ashley Zygmunt Fall-Winter 2012 Collection Fashion Article Posted April 26, 2012
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ONLINE PRESS
Secnd City July 4, 2011
Explore Chicago July 2011
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Refinery29
ONLINE PRESS
July 10, 2011
ABC Chicago: Feature on ZAMRIE Summer Blow-Out Sale July, 2011
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Chciago Magazine : Sales Check
ONLINE PRESS
December 10, 2010
“I’d rather have a closet where I can mix and match things. Whether it be short or long, you can add tights or boots or wear it with heels. It is all about being diferent when you go to that holiday party, and you can even wear the same shirt twice and style it different ways.”
NBC Chicago
September 2010
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Sound Cloud Speaking of Fashion Guest Spotlight: ZAMRIE
ONL;INE PRESS
April 2011
Glossed & Found-Spotlight April 2011
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ONLINE PRESS
The Feast Article Feb 7, 2011
TimeOut
April 8, 2011
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ONLINE PRESS
Joonbug Article March 21, 2011
JEALOUS Interview April 28, 2011
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ONLINE PRESS
The Style Tribe April 11, 2011
The Epoch Times April 3, 2011
May 15th, 2011
Catching Up With The Bowtie‌
The Bowtie Memoirs May 15, 2011
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Refinery29 Article
ONLINE PRESS
April 6, 2011
Article in FRAY April 13, 2011
“Ashley Zygmunt’s Line of Tops is Turning Heads.”
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Garmental.com
Look of the Day 05/28/10
Garmental.com
Look of the Day 08/13/10
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Look of the Day 08/23/10
Garmental.com
Look of the Day 08/26/10
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“
Fashion is like your favorite pair of jeans, and should make you feel comfortable, sexy and confident.
”
-Ashley Zygmunt
ONLINE PRESS
Examiner.com article
Examiner.com Chicago July 29, 2010
Style Chicago
Style Chicago
August 2010
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ONLINE PRESS
Lucky Magazine July 15, 2010
Style Admirer Chicago April 19, 2010
Style Admirer Chicago May 24, 2010
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Factio Magazine
ONLINE PRESS
March 27, 2010
Boutiqueville
March 25, 2010
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New Day Cleveland
M U LT I E D I A P R E S S
May 1, 2012
http://fox8.com/2012/05/01/may-1-2012-2/
WCIU TV Chicago March 23, 2011
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Designer Ashley Zygmunt on abc Channel 7
Cece & Melinda of Raymi Productions wearing ZAMRIE on FOX!
Good Day Chicago on Fox News
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Good Day DuPaul Interview
Fashion Focus Chicago
Modern Vintage Chicago Show
Make a Wish: Jeans for Wishes Fashion Show
Fashion show for the six Fashion Incubator designers
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