Ashley Greene may be modelling DKNY on billboards in Manhattan but she doesn’t consider herself a fashion icon, Francisco Costa, Calvin Klein’s creative director, will launch a limited edition collection for Macy’s and Simon Spurr is continuing on as a creative consultant for Tommy Hilfiger.
The 25-year-old ‘Twilight’ actress – who is the face of DKNY and DKNY Jeans – admits she grew up in shorts and flip flops and doesn’t see herself as much of a fashion guru.
She said, ”It’s certainly something that I’ve read and people have voiced that they do consider me one of their fashion icons, and it’s really flattering and I’m really thankful for it.
”But it’s always interesting to me – growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, I never considered myself a fashion icon at all, or anything even close.”
But since hitting the big time, Ashley has been able to trade her beach wear for designer gowns and expensive jewelry – a luxury she fully appreciates.
She told People Magazine, ”It’s really fun for me to be able to be exposed to the red carpet and the dresses and the clothing, and working with Donna [Karan], because it’s broadened my horizons.
”And now other people are responding to the things I’m wearing, so it’s fun for me, too.”
One of the highlights of her career so far has been seeing her billboard in Times Square.
She explained, ”They tell you about it, but then you actually see it and your jaw kind of drops. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m humungous’.
”I had my family come out for Christmas, and that’s the first thing my mom wanted to do was see the billboard. She landed and was like, ‘OK, let’s go look!’ It was a really huge moment.”
Francisco Costa – who has been at the helm of Calvin Klein since 2003 – will make the label’s first foray on to the high street with the collection, which will be available in the department store from May 15 for two months.
Ranging in price from $135 to $180, the line will pay homage to the 47-year-old designer’s Brazilian upbringing in the hope of raising money for the Amazon Rainforest.
Francisco said, ”This fresh, youthful line of dresses reflects both my roots and the modern, yet timeless spirit of Calvin Klein.”
The collection was inspired by the ”beautiful sunsets” and architecture of Brazil, and will combine the theme with the traditionally clean lines of the Calvin Klein brand.
Martine Reardon, executive vice-president of marketing for Macy’s Inc, explained the new line is a ”massive coup” for the store, as it opens up a new, affordable range for customers.
She told WWD, ”This is a huge coup for us. We obviously have a huge distribution of Calvin Klein products but we do not carry the [designer] collection that Francisco creates.
”Unfortunately, those price points are not within Macy’s price points.”
The British designer left his eponymous label last month and while he is looking forward to working on his new collection, he still wants to stay with the US fashion house.
He said, ”I’m looking forward with great hope and excitement toward my future within the industry as a men’s fashion designer.
”As for my role at Tommy Hilfiger, that is unchanged. I continue to provide consulting services to Tommy Hilfiger exactly as before. It was never my intention to join another company, despite all the speculation.”
Earlier this year, Simon – who is nominated for the Council of Fashion Designers for America’s (CFDA) 2012 Menswear Designer of the Year prize – sold his fall-winter collection with European agent Futurenet.
Prior to founding his own brand, the designer worked at Yves Saint Laurent – where he worked for Hedi Slimane – with previous stints at Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren.
