Taking Centre Stage: Meet Ashlyn Lawrence, The Visionary Behind Luxury's Newest Obsession, Centre Piece

I stumbled upon Ashlyn Lawrence last fall while scrolling through TikTok, where a chic young blonde appeared on my “For You” page. She was engaging with her audience, offering a glimpse into her soon-to-launch brand. The brand’s inspiration was captivating—drawing from eclectic art, elegant creatures, and a palette of neutrals and deep reds. Without even seeing the pieces yet, I knew the brand aligned with my personal style, and I was hooked. I immediately followed her to stay updated on launch dates and gain early access.

When Ashlyn finally debuted her first collection, I was entranced. Every piece was clearly designed with intention—timeless silhouettes paired with unique touches that could make any woman feel like Kate Middleton.

*Eden Scarf Top from Centre Piece SS25 Lookbook*

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Ashlyn. We’ll dive into everything from the inspiration behind her emerging “It-Girl” brand, a closer look at her second collection, her creative process, how she used social media to build buzz for Centre Piece, and her advice for starting your own brand

Can you share the inspiration behind Centre Piece and how it reflects your personal style and vision?

Centre Piece was born out of a desire to create something deeply personal. When I look at my closet, some of my favorite pieces are classics with a unique twist—whether it's an unexpected color, silhouette or story behind it. I wanted to build a brand that reflects this same idea: pieces you gravitate towards and wear repeatedly, that make people stop and ask where you got them because they’re unique.
Centre Piece originally started as a ready-to-wear brand, which initially had an accessories component - interchangeable changeable button covers inspired by fine jewelry. While I’ve encountered some production challenges with this component, it remains something I’d love to revisit. For now, I’m focusing on ready-to-wear, which has been received well. Personally, I gravitate towards a neutral wardrobe with subtle hints of classic colors or prints, which is what makes me feel the most confident.
After working with various brands in the fashion industry, I wanted to create a brand that resonates with women like me—those seeking accessible, sophisticated pieces. I noticed that many contemporary brands, as they grow, often shift toward designer price points. I wanted to offer a designer-inspired feel at a contemporary price under $500, making it a smart investment for your wardrobe. In my opinion, many contemporary brands today fall into one of two categories: basic wardrobe staples that lack uniqueness or overly feminine, printed or sexy silhouettes. I wanted to create something different—pieces that cater to women who appreciate a refined, designer aesthetic, but at a more accessible price point.

Was there a specific moment that made you realize it was time to launch your own brand?

Starting my own business has always been a dream, though I never imagined it would necessarily be a fashion brand. I’ve always worked in fashion and knew I wanted to do something creative, but I wasn't sure it would be clothing. When I was laid off at the start of 2024 due to the brand I worked for closing, I had already been dreaming up Centre Piece for a few months. That experience gave me the push I needed to take the risk and launch something of my own.

How does your second collection differ from your first?

I’m incredibly proud of my second collection. Every piece feels intentionally designed and reflects the direction I envision for Centre Piece moving forward. While the first collection served as a test run, and I’m still proud of it, the second collection feels much more aligned with the brand’s identity and future.

What are the key themes or ideas you're exploring this time around?

In this collection, I’m focusing on a balance of timeless elegance with modern, versatile designs. The pieces blend clean lines and sophisticated silhouettes with unexpected details, such as draping, layering and subtle prints. The pieces can transform themselves for different occasions, all depending on the styling.

*Rocky Pinstripe Blazer from Centre Piece SS25 Lookbook*

Could you walk us through your creative process when designing a collection?

I begin the creative process by gathering inspiration from a variety of sources, whether it’s books, mood boards on Pinterest, or fabric swatches from the garment district. I always aim to create a cohesive collection, especially since our offerings are small. The key is variety across each category while maintaining a consistent theme. I also analyze past season performances— like our Amelia Cream Scarf Coat and Hana Scarf Sweater, which were our best-sellers for Fall 2024—when planning new pieces. For example, we just introduced the Eden scarf top last week for our spring collection to build on that success and continue exploring draped scarf silhouettes.

Are there any plans for expansion, either in terms of product offerings or global presence?

Yes, we are definitely looking to expand into new categories. However, for now, my primary focus is on continuing to grow the ready-to-wear collection. As a small, self-funded startup, I've kept our offerings minimal, but as we grow, I’ll shift more attention to expanding the range. We already ship worldwide, but we’re aiming to strengthen our wholesale business by the end of this year.

Have you ever experienced a creative block, and if so, how do you navigate those moments?

Before launching our spring collection, I went through a period of creative block. Fashion moves so quickly, and the pressure to plan collections 6–12 months in advance can be overwhelming (the timeline is even longer for more established brands). Once new styles were launched, however, the feedback from customers energized me. I love hearing what they think and seeing how our designs make them feel. I also enjoy diving into Pinterest for inspiration, especially from vintage runway collections and interior design.

How has social media played a role in growing your brand? Do you think social media is essential for emerging designers in today’s fashion landscape?

Social media has been a powerful tool for connecting with people and building a community around Centre Piece. Our Instagram is focused on showcasing the aesthetic and vibe of the brand, while TikTok gives a behind-the-scenes look into the more personal side of starting a brand. I believe social media is a critical tool for today’s emerging designers, but it shouldn’t be the only strategy. I also prioritize in-person connections through events and pop-ups, as diversifying how we engage with customers is key.

What kind of experience do you want your customers to have when they wear Centre Piece?

When customers wear Centre Piece, I want them to feel confident and stand out. Fashion is deeply personal, and it has the power to transform how you feel. My designs focus on unique silhouettes and thoughtful design details, rather than relying on bold prints or colors, which aligns with my own personal style.

Have there been any mentors or figures in the fashion industry who have significantly impacted your journey as a designer?

Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have several mentors and colleagues who have encouraged and helped me grow. However, when it comes to business, my greatest inspiration and mentor is my dad, Rocklan (or Rocky, as everyone calls him)— which is where our Rocky Pinstripe Blazer got its name. He’s always encouraged me to embrace my entrepreneurial side and has been a constant support, pushing me to take risks and giving me the confidence to chase my dreams.

What has been your proudest moment so far as a designer and business owner?

My proudest moment comes when customers reach out to say how much they love their pieces, how often they get compliments, and how great they feel wearing them. Press features and milestones are exciting, but knowing that my designs make people feel confident and special is the most fulfilling part of my journey.

What advice would you give to other young designers who are looking to start their own fashion brand?

The biggest piece of advice I can offer is not to wait for the perfect time or to have everything perfectly planned out. It’s better to start small, learn as you go, and adapt over time. In the process, you will learn what works and what resonates with your customers. For me, it took only 9 months from fully committing to the idea to launching, and I know if I had waited for everything to be perfect, I would have missed the opportunity. The most important thing is to start and focus on creating a high-quality product. You can refine your branding and streamline logistics as you grow, learning from feedback along the way.

Follow Centre Piece on Instagram and TikTok
Take a look at her new collection on Centre Piece

Taking Centre Stage: Meet Ashlyn Lawrence, The Visionary Behind Luxury's Newest Obsession, Centre Piece