Stylist Spotlight: Ashley Afriyie
*Article from Lexington Line’s Spring/Summer 2022 Issue, pages 80-81
Check out the full issue here
“I love accessories because they are the one thing that will always fit, no matter what size you are.”
I know I am not the only one who loves to take my style to the next level at any given opportunity. I might be biased, but accessorizing is the easiest way to do this, whether that be adding a few extra necklaces, throwing on a chunky ring, or switching out your boring old crossbody bag for a bold statement shoulder bag. Accessories are undoubtedly the glue to creating a successful outfit, and if you need anything or anyone else to convince you, here is a part-time celebrity stylist to give you some insight on how and why accessories are important to her and her work.
Ashley Afriyie assists many celebrity stylists like her close friend and fellow stylist Molly Dickson. Other celebrity stylists that she has worked with include Erin Walsh, Micaela Erlanger, and the duo Jill Lincoln & Jordan Johnson (known as Jill and Jordan). The celebrities she has styled include stars like Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeney, Scarlett Johansson, Kelsea Ballerini, Lupita Nyong’o, Addison Rae, and many more. She has also worked for companies and designers like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, and fashion publications such as Marie Claire. Accessories play a big part in her everyday role as a stylist.
Source: Ashley Afriyie
Tell me a bit more about your work. I know you are a part-time stylist, but what else do you do in between?
Currently, I am not at any sort of corporate job. Previously I was part of Gucci’s PR team, Marie Claire magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue’s corporate events team, and at IMG. After Covid, I had to pivot from these jobs since events were canceled, and that’s when the idea to help as a stylist assistant landed on my lap. Now I have an LLC and act as a Brand Consultant. I do a lot of freelancing, so my specialties range from PR to styling to event planning. These were all roles I had prior to me going out on my own. At the moment, I have no plans to become a full-time stylist, but I enjoy working with the stylists I have been lucky to collaborate with!
What does a typical day of styling look like for you?
Very cliche answer, but with our job, there is no typical day. Depending on the project, e.g. preparing a client for a red carpet/premier press event or a campaign/magazine photoshoot, it really varies. However, I typically start off emailing my PR contacts to make sure the looks we are requesting for the events I listed are confirmed. I spend a lot of time following up with designer brands’ PR teams to make sure we get the special pieces we need. I'm usually always browsing Vogue Runway making sure I'm up to date with all the designer shows and have knowledge of the latest collections. Lastly, I continue to make sure I am in constant contact with the talents team to make sure nothing has changed at their event. Especially with Covid, things get canceled at the very last minute or dates will shift.
Is this something you planned on doing when you were young?
Of course, as a child, I wanted to go into a career path that everyone considers “respectable,” i.e. a doctor, lawyer, or politician. I actually thought I wanted to be a lawyer. However, during my freshman year in high school, a fashion merchandising course was introduced, and it was the first time anything remotely fashion-related was available, so I signed up immediately! After that course, I knew I had to go into fashion and decided to drop the lawyer act. I never looked back.
What are some of your favorite moments when getting to work with celebrity clients? Tell me everything!
I've had the opportunity to attend events that the everyday person doesn't get to attend, for example, The Academy Awards red carpet—I got to hold an actual Oscar statue. I have frequently been backstage at shows and concerts, received invitations to some of the most coveted fashion shows, and gotten to meet other celebrities because of their celebrity friend.
What are some of the most memorable looks that you have pulled pieces for?
Definitely MERYL STREEP! I got the opportunity to lend a big hand in assisting her stylist, Micaela Erlanger, dressing her in Marc Jacobs for her Don't Look Up press.
Source: @ashleyafriyie on Instagram
Styling Credits: Micaela Erlanger
Why do you believe accessories are truly important? How do you think they can elevate any look and take one’s style to the next level?
I love accessories because they are the one thing that will always fit—no matter what size you are. Accessories enhance looks. You can be wearing something as simple as a basic white T-shirt and jeans, but throw on crazy heel booties or some cool colorful Nike sneakers mixed in with a statement handbag, some jewelry, and voila! Now the outfit is deemed street-style cool.
Of course, I have to know, what is your absolute favorite way to accessorize, and what is one accessory you simply cannot live without?
All of my friends call me the “bag lady.” I am proud of my designer handbag collection, but to be honest, I do have a slight problem. I bought a bookshelf and turned it into a “bag shelf” because I needed extra space for my bags. It took me years of attending crazy sample sales to get some of the rare designer bags I have, e.g. my Gucci stud bag from the Tom Ford era, or my Chanel bags from when Karl Lagerfeld (RIP) was around. I love my bags and probably would NEVER sell any!