With International Women’s Month officially in the swing of things, women from all across the world are coming together to celebrate the dope women who have had an impact on society. Ashley Longshore, a New Orleans-based mixed-media artist, and Diane von Furstenberg, women’s designer, are joining forces to celebrate extraordinary women in history and partner on a curated art collection.
The collection features a list of powerful, brave, and extraordinary women who have changed the course of history. The art features 37 extraordinary portraits of women including Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Jackie Kennedy, Marlene Dietrich, Cleopatra, Oprah, Gloria Steinem, Whitney Wolfe Herd, Elizabeth Taylor, Nina Simone, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks and Jane Goodall, among others. What I personally love about these portraits was how she used a lot of von Furstenberg’s heritage prints and designs in the clothes.
So, who is this dynamic woman?
Ashley had the first female artist solo exhibit at Bergdorf Goodman, designed the retailer’s new Palette Café, and collaborated with Judith Leiber and Gucci in 2018. She’s not someone who is new to the game, and her astounding blend of mixed-media art literally brings worlds together.
“When I first met Ashley, I was impressed by her force of life and vibrant talent,” Diane von Furstenberg said in a press release about Women’s History Month. “I am excited that we joined together to celebrate International Women’s Month by showcasing extraordinary women in history. I provided Ashley a list of women who have inspired me through their energy and achievements and she has done an amazing job creating their portraits.”
The curated art collection will be unveiled on March 7, 2019 for International Women’s Month and will live in Diane von Furstenberg’s flagship store on 874 Washington Street through May 2019. All of Ashley’s art will be available for purchase on-site and Y’ALL KNOW I WANT THESE PORTRAITS, ASAP.
“Painting this collection of women was the biggest inspiration of my career,” said Ashley. Diane sent me on a journey and being the teacher that she is, I learned so much about women from all over the world from so many different generations. To honor Diane and her history, I used her iconic heritage prints throughout the collection. I also love that Diane requested that I not use my signature bedazzle, glitter and resin. She really wanted me very raw. The result feels very fresh, honest, and fearless.”
“Diane’s quote, ‘Fear is Not an Option’ is so pertinent in my own career because when you realize the woman that you are and who you want to become, fear really is not an option. It has been such an honor to work with Diane. She is thoughtful, brilliant and unbelievably enthusiastic about women. I feel like every cell in my body is energized and ready to go,” she added.
All I know is that these paintings don’t only show the regality and beauty of these amazing women, but it also proves that the work of fabulous, dynamic women is never done. Ashley, can I get them all?
What do you guys think of the paintings?
