#ashabyadm

[theashablog]

St. Barths Top 10

I spent last week in one of my favorite places to escape to - St. Barths.  It was a week full of relaxation & fun.  Here are my top 10 things to do and places to go!

1. Drink rosé - it's a national pastime! 

2. Stay at Isle de France and rent a Moke - get set to sharpen your driving skills and witness breathtaking views at every turn.

Our new “Gustavia” Tote atop a Moke.

3. Go shopping in Gustavia - Delfina, Clic Bookstore, & no name small stores that carry French and European goods like sunglasses from Barcelona to sandals from Greece. 

In St. Jean - Yume boutique for French-African vibes & Mandarine for beautiful and unique treasures sourced by Annelisa Gee from around the world - including our very own ASHA fine jewelry & bespoke collections.

4. Swimming with kids at Flamands Beach - perfect sand, tranquil azure waters.

5. Lunch at Nikki beach with live saxophone player & dancing on tables. 

6. Beach walk along St. Jean and watch planes land overhead on one of the smallest runways in the world.

Our “Aphrodite” bespoke ring shot on the beach.

7. Cocktails at Shell beach at sunset.

8. Magnificent facial to the susurrus of waves at the Sisley spa at le Christopher hotel in Pointe Milou. 

Mom looking radiant after her facial & sporting our new Gustavia tote :)

9. Dinner at Bonito with striking views of Gustavia harbor. 

10. Two more extraordinary dinner places: L'isola for amazing, authentic Italian cuisine (even the waiters on this French island are Italian) & Orega for the freshest sushi. 

Finally, practice your French as the island has a European vibe and sophistication like no other in the Caribbean! Mais oui!

xx Ashley

[theashablog]

The New ASHA Penthouse

Late in summer of 2016 we decided we were outgrowing our showroom and set upon searching for a new glorious space.  After a fair amount of looking we found an extraordinary 1000 square foot virgin space on Greenwich Avenue.  In less than 10 weeks we went from a completely raw space to what is now the newly constructed ASHA Penthouse.  On Wednesday evening of this past week, we officially opened our doors to more than 200 friends and customers who helped us celebrate what is now our new showroom and second floor storefront. 

The penthouse boasts a painted shagreen jewel box, a marble bar, high ceilings and sunny windows overlooking Greenwich Avenue.  A new concept in retail, the ASHA Penthouse doubles as a store and a gorgeous atelier for me and my team.  

Enjoy the following images! 

Above: Team ASHA in our sunlit Penthouse.  Vintage Brunschwig et fils ottoman in aubergine velvet with Samuel & Sons trim. Italian forms in lacquered orange.  Carrera marble bar appointed with CB2 lucite bar stools.

In my new office with San Marco wallpaper by Quadrille, Oly Studio Chairs, & lighting from Visual Comfort.  Painting by one of my favorite local artists - Suzie Jellinek.  Blue suede dress by Australian designer Dion Lee. 

In the jewel box with hand painted shagreen wallpaper from England juxtaposed with a striking Medusa-like modern light pendant found in NYC. 

At the bar.  Wallpaper by Quadrille. Orchid courtesy of Winston Flowers my new neighbor! 

Wearing my new favorite mother of pearl leaf earrings working on new Bespoke projects due before Christmas!  Dress by Elizabeth & James. 

Custom doors inspired by Medici Palazzo Tornabuoni in Florence.

Mirror by Oomph.  Malaya wallpaper by Quadrille in zibby blue.  Architecture by Louise Brooks. 

[instagramstylesnoop]

Instagram Style Snoop via Pinterest and original Instagram post here. For my insta click here!

[instagramstylesnoop]

Instagram Style Snoop via Pinterest and original Instagram post here. For my insta click here!

[charmandchain]

Ashley McCormick’s Guide to Paris

When it comes to chic travel, ASHA designer Ashley McCormick knows a thing or two. From St. Barth's to Marrakech, the Connecticut-based jetsetter travels the world in search of inspiration for her jewelry line.

“Travel informs my collections,” she shared with us. “I love absorbing the culture and taking architectural motifs I see in different cities and translating them into jewelry.”

One of her all-time favorite cities? Paris, of course.

Ashley began designing ASHA as an art history student at La Sorbonne, so Paris is a special place for her inspirationally. For example, her Isadora Earrings were directly inspired by latticework in Eglise Saint Germain des Prés.

“Paris has so much romance. Everywhere you look there is endless beauty,” she concluded.

Having spent much time in the French capital over the years, Ashley has narrowed down some of the dreamiest ways to spend one’s time there and was kind enough to share her recommendations with us. Read on!

STAY

AM: Relais Christine in the 6th Arrondissement. It has the most charming courtyard and cozy honor bar to drink martinis and play chess.

DO

AM: When in Paris, I walk everywhere. From wandering the streets of Saint Germain des Prés and Le Marais, to buying fresh flowers from my favorite market on Rue de Buci or enjoying a coffee en plein air, I simply feel at home.

WANDER

AM: Saint Germain des Prés, especially the streets around Saint-Sulpice

EAT

AM: L'Avenue for lunch, 404 for Moroccan food, Andy Waloo (which is next door to 404), La Société, Hôtel Costes, Café de Flore, and Allard for a classic French experience (order the whole roast chicken with potatoes and champignons)

CAFÉ

AM: Les Editeurs near the Odéon metro stop

SHOP

AM: Le Bon Marché, Rue du Dragon, Rue des Saints-Pères, Le Marais to walk around (especially around Place des Vosges)

MUSEUMS

AM: Musée d’Orsay, Musée Picasso and Musée Rodin

See Ashley take on Paris in her recently debuted brand video:

[theashablog]

Spotlight: Martha MacCallum

I recently had the honor of photographing & interviewing Martha MacCallum in NYC.  As co-anchor of Fox’s top rated “America’s Newsroom with Martha MacCallum & Bill Hemmer,” she stands as one of the top journalists in her field.  She is incredibly smart, accomplished, sophisticated, beautiful and above all kind.  You can also see her frequently wearing ASHA on the air.  Enjoy our Q&A below. 

Martha wearing our Capote Cuff, Horn Bangle & Tallulah earrings in NYC. (main image above)

Favorite ASHA piece: I wear my Aquarius zodiac necklace almost all the time,  I also love my Mamounia earrings.

Favorite interview: Election season is when we are most fired up, I've interviewed most of the Presidential candidates in the last three election cycles. I also, really like talking to their wives, you get to know the candidate better that way.  Laura Bush is a personal favorite, she's very down-to-earth and cares passionately about bettering the lives of women and children in Africa and Afghanistan.

Most challenging story you've covered:  Certainly 9/11.  It changed all of us and our country forever.  I still don't think there is a day that goes by that it doesn't sneak its memory in one way or another.

Favorite destination:  I Love to ski in Deer Valley and chill out in Harbour Island, Bahamas.  I feel very lucky to get to both of those places.

Best piece of advice you've gotten:  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  We are very blessed to live in America. We have so much, I'm grateful every day.   I consider myself so lucky to live in this country.

[theashablog]

Summer Series: Watch Hill

Each summer we highlight our favorite summer destinations and Watch Hill is at the top of our list.  It’s beautiful beaches and laid back yet elegant vibe are unsurpassed.  The Ocean House is an iconic New England retreat and known for its 4th of July Beach Ball.  You can also find ASHA at the boutique!

[theashablog]

Georgetown University Career Spotlight

I was honored and humbled to have my alma mater - Georgetown University - spotlight ASHA.  Below is the interview.  xx Ashley

Founder and Designer, ASHA by ADM

Career Spotlight: Ashley Dodgen McCormick (C'05)

Describe your current profession.

I am the CEO & creative director of the jewelry company, ASHA, which I founded while a student at Georgetown.

Tell us about your creative process. How does one of your jewels go from idea to product?

I love to weave travel into my brand story and use the culture, art and architecture as a reference point for my collections. I traveled to Marrakech last spring to find inspiration for my spring collection. Marrakech is an incredible city – its mix of cultures, vibrant colors and incredible scents that line the air are intoxicating. I brought my mother with me, and we explored the Medina (the old walled city) for three full days and found exquisite textiles, pottery, intricate inlaid bone-work -- not to mention lots of ancient Berber jewelry. The Islamic architecture with its curved arches and pointed quatrefoils as well as the impressive mosaics in some of the historic Riads were hugely inspiring.

What has been the most challenging or rewarding moment in your career?

The most rewarding experience has been inspiring young girls to follow their passions and start their own businesses. I spoke to the middle school at Greenwich Academy (my other alma mater) on entrepreneurship and was touched to hear back from many of the students requesting summer internships despite their young age - and some are even starting to make their own jewelry.

What are your tips for fellow writers, artists, etc. who are having trouble finding inspiration?

Find your true passion – your story – and the inspiration will come easily.

Who do you consider to be your influencers?

In terms of business acumen I look to Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch, who have built fashion empires with a singular vision. I’m also intrigued by direct/online business success stories like Warby Parker. In terms of creative design, I am inspired by master jewelers like Verdura and David Webb.

What do you consider to be the most useful piece of career advice you ever received?

Do you what you love and work hard at it.

How do you think your time at Georgetown affected your professional ambitions?

Studying art history & my junior abroad in Paris and Florence (Villa le Balze) was the creative starting point for ASHA. That year of travel and exposure to so much incredible art and architecture propelled my wanderlust and creative thirst – and, thereby, my entrepreneurial ambition. While in Paris I met the head of Fine Jewelry for Chanel – Lorenz Baumer – and he graciously helped me get started with an atelier near Place Vendome. During my senior year at Georgetown I found production, started landing accounts like Henri Bendel, Saks & Calypso and the rest is history. It’s been ten years and I feel like I’ve only just gotten started.

Anything else you would like to add?

To learn more about my work, visit my website at www.ashabyadm.com or follow me on Instagram (@ashabyadm).