Ashley Nell Tipton on Fashion, Skating, and Designing for Confidence

Ashley Nell Tipton is a designer who thrives on breaking barriers. Her bold, inclusive designs have not only redefined plus-size fashion but also empowered countless individuals to feel celebrated in what they wear. “My mission has always been to help people feel confident in their own skin,” she explains with thoughtful certainty.

Her love for design started early, shaped by quiet afternoons spent with her grandmother, learning the art of sewing. “She taught me the basics, but more than that, she showed me how to create something unique with my hands,” Ashley recalls. Yet, as she grew older, shopping for clothes became frustrating. “Nothing fit me right or reflected who I was. I decided that if the options weren’t there, I’d make them myself.”

This decision became the foundation of her career and her signature approach to design: bold, vibrant, and unapologetically inclusive. For Ashley, fashion isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality. “Comfort, fit, and versatility are essential. But I also believe clothing should be fun. I want people to feel like their outfit is a reflection of their personality.” Her designs, a mix of bold colors and thoughtful details, balance these priorities beautifully.

Ashley's time on Project Runway helped her Sharpen this balance, teaching her to trust her instincts and push creative boundaries. “The show was intense—fast deadlines, unconventional challenges—but it forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect,” she admits. Winning Season 14 was transformative, not just for her career but also for the communities she represented. “I’ll never forget hearing from people who felt seen for the first time because of my designs. That was everything.”

While fashion has been Ashley’s lifelong passion, she discovered another creative outlet in 2021—roller skating. “It started as a spur-of-the-moment decision to take a class. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I fell in love with the energy and freedom of skating,” she says, her enthusiasm palpable. What began as a personal pastime soon turned into a professional endeavor. Immersing herself in the skating community, Ashley realized there was a need for fashion forward, functional skating gear.

This realization led to a collaboration with Sure Grip, a brand Ashley had admired for years. “They were actually the first pair of skates I bought,” she shares. “I loved their commitment to quality and innovation, so working with them felt like a perfect fit.” The result of this partnership was the Oxford Tipton skate—a design inspired by Sure Grip’s 1930s heritage. “I wanted to honor their history while adding my own modern twist,” she explains.

The skates’ earthy tones—an indigo-inspired blue and a warm brown—were inspired by Ashley’s beloved dogs, Denim and Blazer. “The colors are personal, but they also represent resilience, versatility, and boldness,” she says. “It’s not just about style—it’s about creating something that feels meaningful.”

Ashley’s approach to skate design mirrors her approach to fashion: thoughtful, functional, and empowering. “I know what it’s like to spend hours skating—you need a boot that’s comfortable and supportive but also something that makes you feel good,” she says. Every detail, from the fit to the aesthetics, was carefully considered to ensure the skates elevate both performance and style.

For Ashley, this project wasn’t just about designing a skate—it was about giving back to the skating community. “I talked to skaters, listened to their feedback, and worked their ideas into the final product,” she says. “It’s not just my design; it’s something we created together.”

Whether she’s designing clothing or skates, Ashley’s mission remains the same: to empower people through thoughtful, inclusive design. “At the end of the day, I want people to feel confident, celebrated, and seen. That’s what it’s all about.”