Last week, we got to know Ashley Harris, the driving force behind the party that is Don’t Let Disco. This week, I'm back to share the bits and baubles from our chat. What began as a rapid-fire round at the end of our interview turned into a full-blown conversation with too many gems to leave out.
In case you missed our conversation…
If you could collaborate with any artist or designer, living or deceased, who would it be?
I would love to collaborate with Wangechi Mutu. I absolutely adore her work; it's very Afro-futuristic. I've met her a couple of times, and she is such a lovely person. Interestingly, I attended her show last summer at the New Museum, and I noticed that her materials and themes were strikingly similar to our disco-apocalyptic summer collection. It was such a "wow" moment, realizing that we share a similar vibe. She's incredibly cool and inspiring.
In terms of designers, I would have loved to collaborate with Dries Van Noten. Although he recently stepped down, I've always admired the way he has run and grown his business while marching to the beat of his own drum. I resonate with that approach, as I've kept my own brand small and independent. We're still young and not in the same league, but creating a beaded piece with Dries would be a dream.
What's your earliest memory involving jewelry?
Oh, it's quite vivid. My mother used to wear these exquisite 22 karat gold bangles, which were her pride and joy. The sound they made as she moved was unmistakable. My mother was an avid shopper, and as kids, my siblings and I would often accompany her on her shopping trips. She had a knack for getting lost in stores for what seemed like hours, which used to give me anxiety. However, whenever I lost sight of her amidst the racks of clothes or aisles of goods, I would simply listen for the distinct jingling of her bangles. It was like a beacon guiding me back to her, instantly calming my nerves, and I'd follow the sound until we were reunited.
What's your favorite gemstone or raw material?
I really love tourmaline. I love tourmaline so much. But then I also love opals, because you really can see all the colors of the universe, and well, I'm a Libra.
What's a signature piece of jewelry that you wear every day?
I have a special ring that I'm not wearing right now because it was bumping against my engagement ring. It's a unique piece made by a friend of my grandmother in the seventies using scrap pieces. The ring's asymmetrical design adds to its charm, and I always receive compliments when I wear it. I'd love to remake it one day as part of our fine jewelry line or perhaps incorporate its design into a bead. I think it could be a really cool project.
What's your dream travel destination for sourcing material?
Turkey, India, any country in Africa!
What fashion icon inspires your style the most?
I'd say my grandmother and Isabella Blow have been major influences on my style. My grandmother was a style icon in her own right. She often wore a simple t-shirt and jeans, paired with a unique gold necklace that had a cross with a Picasso-like design and an amethyst in it. It was so cool and chic. I actually need to find out where that cross is now…
And ISSY! I absolutely love her style. Just the other day, I came across one of her photos online, and she looked so sharp and timeless. I try to channel that timeless quality when I get dressed. I think about whether someone could pinpoint the year or decade from a photo of my outfit. Isabella was all about the silhouette, and she nailed it every time. Her focus on silhouette was evident and inspiring. Every time I look at photos of her, I get excited.
”I think about whether someone could pinpoint the year or decade from a photo of my outfit.”
What is the last thing you bought?
The last purchase I made was a pair of white satin Manolo Blahniks for my wedding ceremony, but I ended up returning them. Finding the perfect shoes was a struggle, especially since it had been almost a year since my grandmother passed away. She would have been my go-to for advice. I visited several stores like Bergdorf's, Saks, and Jimmy Choo, but the assistance I received at Manolo Blahnik stood out. After months of browsing, a helpful staff member named April approached me. She was incredibly attentive. Shout out to April at MB! Although the shoes seemed perfect at the time, they ultimately didn't align with my vision for my wedding attire, so I returned them. While they were meant to be something borrowed, I decided to let them go.
What does having taste mean to you?
Having taste is about recognizing that it's entirely subjective. What appeals to me might not appeal to you, but I can still value and appreciate your preferences, even if they differ from mine. To develop our own tastes, we need exposure to various styles and perspectives. I believe it's essential to appreciate all the different flavors. When I get dressed or curate an aesthetic, I like to mix different genres and styles. I don't want to be limited to just one. If I were to describe my aesthetic, I'd say it's classical with a side of ‘disturbia’ (edge).
“When I get dressed or curate an aesthetic, I like to mix different genres and styles. I don't want to be limited to just one. If I were to describe my aesthetic, I'd say it's classical with a side of ‘disturbia’.”
What’s the last thing you discovered?
In a powerful moment under a significant moon, I felt inspired to script and manifest my desires. As I opened a long-forgotten notebook, a note from my grandmother and a crisp $20 bill slipped out. The note read, "Emergency money. Love, Granny 2016." It was an unexpected and touching discovery, perfectly aligned with my intentions for abundance. It felt like a sign from her, appearing at just the right moment. So, the last thing I stumbled upon was this emergency fund from my grandmother.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
I once worked for a man who, despite being quite mediocre, oddly inspired me to take risks. His confidence in his mediocrity reminded me not to let perfectionism hold me back. He often said, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good," and I've found it to be valuable advice. It specifically resonated with me when I was hesitant to leave my corporate job to pursue my passion for Don't Let Disco. If I had waited for everything to be perfect, I would have never taken the leap. Sometimes, the universe pushes us off the cliff, and we have to embrace the fall. I see many friends still stuck in what I call the "corporate plantation," held back by fear of failure. If we focus too much on what could go wrong, we'll never take the necessary risks to pursue our dreams. I'm grateful I didn't wait for perfection, or else I'd still be stuck climbing the corporate ladder instead of doing what I love.
“Sometimes, the universe pushes us off the cliff, and we have to embrace the fall.”
Thank you so much for reading. If you haven’t already, follow Don’t Let Disco on Instagram for updates and vibes.
I love hearing from you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, sourcing inquiries, or just to say hello!
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xx Veronica
I got to meet Ashley at a Don't Let Disco trunk show, and she was (is) amazing: so beautiful, gracious, smart amd friendly. Not to mention a fantastic designer! I already have two necklaces and two bracelets from her brand, and can't wait to get more. Thanks so much for this creative interview -
Brilliant interview 👏🏻 💛