IMAGE BY: CARMEN GOETZ
Fashion
ABOVE: The incredible work of King’s Lynn’s Ashley Pearce has been seen everywhere from Strictly Come Dancing to Clothes Show Live
Gaywood’s rising star in the world of fashion... Art meets the catwalk in a quite stunning collection of wonderfully-creative, intriguing and beautifully-crafted headwear. KL magazine talks to a truly unique local designer
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t’s fair to say that Gaywood’s Ashley Pearce has a real head for style. Just two years ago after setting up his own business for his stunningly original masks and headwear, the 21-year-old designer has already reached heights many aspiring fashionistas can only dream of. His work – described as “exquisite couture from the realms of magical madness” – has been featured in some of the world’s most prestigious magazines (including Vogue and Tatler), and has been seen on primetime television shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Clothes Show Live. Earlier this year Ashley’s creations graced Royal Ascot, and he’ll be
KLmagazine October 2015
showcasing a full collection at next year’s London Fashion Show. It’s an amazing success story, but then Ashley admits he’s always been creative. “For as long as I can remember I’ve had a vivid imagination and the urge to create beautiful things,” he says. “I really have to thank my family for nurturing that as it plays such a huge part in all my endeavours.” Ashley’s natural talents may have led him into any field, but they were taken in an unusual direction by his seeing a production of Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End. “I left the show feeling disappointed with the masks,” he remembers. “I truly
felt I could have made them so much better.” Fate stepped in shortly after, as Ashley came across a basket in a local store that contained only one item; a blank Venetian-style mask that was waiting to be given a personality. Mystic Magic was born, although it took seven years before Ashley named the business. “I was working really hard and putting down the foundations to build on,” he says, “but by 2013 I knew it was time to take it on as a full-time business and not just a hobby.” Success hasn’t come without its challenges, though – Ashley actually had to drop out of his final school year
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