Ash Welch: Summer Study Abroad Advanced Fashion Design

Can you introduce yourself and tell us where and what you’re studying back home?

My name is Ash Welch, known professionally as ASHER in my fashion designs. I am originally from Dallas, Texas, and I currently study at Kent State University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design with a minor in Jewellery Design.

What made you decide to study abroad, and why this course?

As a fashion design major, my university requires a study abroad semester as part of the curriculum. While Kent State offers several popular programmes that students typically attend during the academic year, I chose to pursue a summer program, since I am usually away from campus during that time. This led me to discover London as a summer option. I was immediately drawn to the opportunities offered through my school, particularly because the program was less familiar and rarely discussed due to its summer timing. Toward the end of my junior year, my study abroad advisor invited me to apply to Central Saint Martins’ advanced fashion design summer course, alongside one other student, which had never been done before through Kent State.

What were your first impressions of UAL and studying fashion in London?

My first impressions of UAL were intense and deeply inspiring. From the moment I arrived, I felt surrounded by creativity in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Having never left the country prior to this, living abroad for a month was overwhelming at times but ultimately incredibly rewarding. London shifted the way I think about fashion, offering me a new perspective that felt both refreshing and necessary. In a field increasingly driven by technology, I found real value in stepping away from the computer and reconnecting with hands-on processes like drawing, pattern-making, and collage. That freedom allowed me to work more intuitively and trust my creative instincts.

How has the course challenged or changed the way you approach fashion design?

The course challenged me to think beyond my comfort zone, to push ideas further and work on a larger scale. It taught me that there is no real sense of “done” in fashion design, only opportunities to add more depth and meaning. At first, this mindset was difficult for me to adjust to. I had spent years working within a structured curriculum, so I had to learn how to let go of rubrics and begin designing for myself. This course created the space for that shift to happen. It changed the way I think about fashion, especially how unconventional ideas can eventually become conventional and how others may interpret your work in ways you never expect. The experience also transformed how I begin my creative process. I learned to collage and create without striving for perfection, and that freedom became essential to producing my strongest work.

Was there a particular project, workshop, or moment that really stood out for you?

Yes, one experience that really stood out was a full day dedicated to life drawing. We worked with a live model who changed outfits for each sketch, giving us constantly shifting perspectives. Sitting in a circle around the model, we captured different poses under timed intervals, which pushed us to draw quickly and efficiently, focusing on getting our ideas onto paper without overthinking. Midway through, we were instructed to change line thicknesses, experiment with colours, switch media, and even alter the direction of our drawing. That day taught me not just technical skills, but how to stay adaptable, think on my feet, and trust the process, lessons that have carried over into how I approach fashion design and creativity as a whole.

How did being surrounded by students from different cultural and creative backgrounds influence your work?

Being surrounded by students from so many different cultural and creative backgrounds had a huge impact on my work. I had the chance to talk to them every day. Students from China, Brazil, Canada, Italy, and other parts of the U.S., each coming from different fashion schools and approaches to design. Hearing how they were taught, the courses they had taken, and the techniques they emphasized opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about fashion. Some focused heavily on tailoring and precision, others on experimental materials or storytelling through garments, and these differences challenged me to consider alternative methods and perspectives in my own process. Collaborating and exchanging ideas with them pushed me to question my assumptions, explore techniques I hadn’t tried before, and think more globally about design.

What did you enjoy doing outside of class in London?

Outside of class, I loved exploring London and soaking in its culture. I spent time at Portobello Market, discovering unique jewellery and fabrics that sparked new ideas for my designs. I also visited the city’s iconic landmarks, from London Bridge and Westminster Abbey to Abbey Road, taking in the history and energy of the city. Evenings were often spent with my classmates at local pubs and quiz nights, which was a fun way to connect with them, share stories, and experience London from a more personal, everyday perspective.

What was the most challenging part of the experience, and how did you work through it?

The most challenging part of the experience was being thrown into a completely new city. Navigating transportation, learning the neighbourhoods, and figuring out daily logistics felt overwhelming at first. But once I got the hang of it, everything started to feel natural, almost like I had always known my way around. After that, I felt free to explore all over London. Wandering through markets, historic streets, and hidden corners of the city not only boosted my confidence but also inspired my creative process in unexpected ways.

Looking back, how do you think you grew as a designer over the summer?

Looking back, I grew a lot as a designer over the summer. The experience pushed me to think more freely and take creative risks without the constraints of a structured curriculum. I learned to trust my instincts, experiment with new techniques, and embrace imperfection as part of the process. Being immersed in a city like London, surrounded by many perspectives and hands-on opportunities, helped me see fashion in a more global way. By the end of the program, I felt more confident in my vision and better equipped to translate ideas into designs.

Has the experience had any impact on your studies or future plans?

Yes, the experience had a significant impact on my studies and future plans. Entering my senior year, I transitioned from a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design to a Bachelor of Fine Arts so I could pursue a thesis collection inspired by my time in London, focusing on menswear. My experience at UAL and CSM also opened my eyes to the possibilities of graduate study, and I am now seriously considering a program abroad to continue developing my design perspective and creative practice.

What advice would you give to students considering a summer course or study abroad at UAL?

My advice would be to think big and come in with an open mind, leave expectations behind. Don’t rely on technology; instead, let yourself work by hand and truly experiment. Free yourself from the box and use your surroundings as inspiration. Immerse yourself in the city, the culture, and the people around you, and allow that energy to shape your creativity.

Finally, how would you sum up your UAL summer experience in three words?

Challenging, Rewarding, Memorable.

Find out more about Ashlyn’s work:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asherfash/

Website: https://www.ashlynwelch.com/