FASHION Future designer has her own ideas

Ashley Holt has been sewing since she was in the sixth grade.
BALTIMORE SUN
Sewing is one of those things we often wish we could do well yet never seem to find the time to learn. But for aspiring designer Ashley Holt, it's her ticket into college.
"I sent in pictures of things that I made for myself along with fashion sketches," says the 18-year-old Maryland high school senior. "And I got accepted into the fashion-design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City" -- the school for future fashionistas.
Holt's been sewing since sixth grade, honing her skills by "trial and error" and turning them into quick cash -- by setting up an embroidery business on the side -- and one-of-a-kind clothing.
"I like the whole creativity of it," she says, "the way that you can express yourself through what you wear."
Here's more from Holt about style and self-expression:
Q. How do you like to dress?
A. Everyone in my school wears the American Eagle kind of stuff; I'm not really into that. I like more of a New York chic kind of style. I dress pretty feminine. I wear a lot of skirts -- I really like bias-cut skirts -- and I always have heels on.
Q. Who's style inspires you?
A. Marilyn Monroe's -- I collect her memorabilia. She's not a stick-thin kind of model. She's got a chest, and she's got hips and that hourglass figure. For homecoming this year, I made a fuchsia sequined dress inspired by a red dress she wore in "How to Marry a Millionaire."
Q. What projects are easy starters for those new to sewing?
A. Pillows and bags -- tote bags. Basically, they're all straight lines and there are no zippers or button holes -- nothing too complicated or too hard to understand.
Q. What's the one thing every woman should have in her closet?
A. I'm all about coordination. Everyone should have a wide collection of accessories and costume jewelry to match with everything; it can really liven up an outfit.