FFA BRIDGE TO BASEL
2022 Grand Prize Winner
Rewarded with $15,000 in funding and 2 years industry mentorship to establish in the American Fashion Industry with, but not limited to
- Access to fashion resources and industry experts
- FFA library of fashion texts, costumes, invite only events
Featured on ELLE
Among the most memorable events of this year's New York Fashion Week was part of the Flying Solo Haute Couture show on September 10. It featured many brands that sent their creations down the catwalk, floating against the backdrop of illuminated skyscrapers. These pieces demonstrated the highest level of craftsmanship and artistic vision and contributed to the ever-changing face of haute couture design. It's rare to see such a variety of pieces in a single magazine, but Flying Solo proudly shines a light on this diversity of independent fashion houses.
Featured on THE IMPRESSION
JELLYFISH ASYMMETRICAL JUMPSUIT
Featured on FASHION WEEK ONLINE
AASHKA was created by Aashka Mehta, who was inspired to start designing during the Covid pandemic. Once social distancing made it impossible to see friends and exist within a normal routine, Aashka sought out another way to keep her mood up – and this happened to be creating clothing for women who don’t want to get molded into a particular stereotype or body type. They don’t want to be corseted, they don’t want to look like an hourglass. They want style, but they also want a unique sort of comfort.
This is heavily visible in the collection, which emphasizes both designs and silhouettes that aren’t often seen in other clothing brands. AASHKA has set out to fully embody the use of 100% silk yarns from Italy, and those are still heavily and frequently used in this new collection, as well.
Featured on AMICA MAGAZINE
ANGELFISH BELTED WRAP DRESS
Featured on LOFFICIEL
The largest design platform in the USA, Flying Solo continues to take the New York fashion scene by storm with its innovative shows. At the last Fashion Week, the platform presented a number of world-renowned designers. This September, a team of brands, models, artists and media representatives gathered on the roof of Soho. Guests were able to see the cutting-edge achievements of high fashion - from early morning to late evening. Anyone who was lucky enough to attend one of Flying Solo's shows was sure to experience the full NYFW vibe.
A WOMAN WHO DARES TO WALK ALONE
Much like water, women are the essence of this world. They can set the borders and break them too. They can lead nations into war and help restore its peace too. The way we treat women can determine everything - from the economy of a nation to the future of this world.
Today's societies are designed with different standards for men and women. Like a river finding its way through the mountains and cutting through the valleys, women also walk through life uncovering misogynistic attitudes and sexist choices. Throughout this journey, she wears many hats - daughter, sister, wife, mother, caregiver, etc. Life seems to go on like the arduous journey of a river meeting the ocean only to be born again into the glaciers. But how many times do we pause and wonder if life was just easier as a man?
Unlike the realities of today, I envision a future lead by strong, powerful women. I dream of women who dare to challenge societies, walk her own path and create her own destiny. I design for a woman determined to change the world. I want the woman to feel beautiful and powerful in the way she already is. She doesn't need to mould into a corset or a stereotype. Instead, she builds a world of value to her. She chooses herself over anybody else because her happiness matters the most. I design for the woman of tomorrow.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
Social isolation that followed the pandemic compelled me to spend time in nature and do activities that improved my health and well-being. I found a new focus in my life and a desire to do something that was invigorating, meaningful and challenging. I sketched a lot of ideas and kept evolving them to find what I truly resonated with.
Activities such as swimming and cooking also made me realize that a huge aspect of our life on this planet depends on water. It makes us feel refreshed and energized to make anything possible! If we understand the nature of water, we can understand each other as well.
Although we have individual personalities, deep within ourselves, we are connected in some sort of way. If we spend time understanding ourselves, we can experience a magnificent world within us. This collection has been a wonderful journey of self discovery. I hope you enjoy it!
OCEANIA
Custom made yarn spun in 100% silk to create ocean like calm touch and luxurious handfeel.
OLYMPIA
Custom made Viscose Polyamide blend for excellent stretch and daily comfort.
BOTANIA
Rayon and Viscose yarns create vibrant patterns with breathable smooth handfeel in our custom made yarn.
