Ashley Williams Spring 2027: World of Interiors

by · WWD
Ashley Williams Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Collection at London Fashion WeekCourtesy of Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams imagined a wardrobe for when your entire life takes place between four walls.

Bonnie Grape, the loving and deeply isolated mother from the “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” movie, was the muse of a collection that was “inspired by fighting battles that you’re never going to win,” Williams said backstage. “[It’s about] coming to the realization of your powerlessness, and actually that there’s transcendence in that acceptance.”

Taking a childlike read on the movie, the designer sent out models in identical light pink lipstick and dirty blond bob wigs with bangs, calling Grape “a really underrated beauty icon.”

Satin babydolls with a print resembling wooden walls, worn with torn tights that were stuffed with bunnies, and knitted teddies alluded to the housebound character’s environment. Reconstructed dresses in floral, grandma-like prints made from bedding and curtain-like fabrics hinted at nostalgic memories and important moments frozen in time.

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A long-sleeve dress shirt topped with a matching cropped cape was cut from cotton sheets dotted with hand-drawn motifs of characters reading books and eating apples, next to the words “happy memories.” They represented Williams’ belief in the joy of the little things, she said.

Also playing into the idea of growing up while still feeling safe within the four walls of home were accessories, part of a recurring collaboration with Chinese experimental jewelry brand Yvmin, such as a faux-porcelain plastic belt with Siamese cats cuddling as closure, and a chunky wristwatch inspired by a mechanical music box, miniature dancing ballerina included.