It is very rare you stumble across not only a designer but an experience that you feel will forever change the face of fashion. 
Imagine stepping into a world of freedom and choice, ballet tutus, leathers, silks, cottons and suedes all in a monochromatic style, simple but beyond elegant. 

It's a world where communication with the designer is open and free. Come on in Fashionistas of the world, come on in to the setting of a prima ballerinas bedroom, it's time to play dress up girlies with Miss Ashley Rowe.

This past Saturday June 13th I had the honour of strolling down to the exhibition grounds to customize my very own Miss Rowe piece for the upcoming Much Music Video Awards, Sunday June 21st. Let me tell you it was an experience not to be forgotten.

How would you feel if you could choose your color, the fabric and design for your body flattering garment that has been personalized just for you, sounds pretty amazing doesn't it.

MISS ROWE, a couture line created by 26-year-old Ashley Rowe of Toronto is the wave of the future.

What is the definition of couture? The design and manufacture of fashionable clothes, states the Canadian Oxford Dictionary, but for Miss Rowe herself it means the customization of your very own piece and I wouldn't have it any other way.

In Spring of 2008 Miss Rowe debuted. So coming into her fourth season she is more prepared then ever to make a splash with color, textures and ineluctable designs.

"I focus on a clean line, natural fabrics and the fit," said Rowe.

Using S09 muslins to represent her designs is where the experience begins.

STEP 1- Choose your size
Ashley Rowe gives her clients a choice between sizes 2-12, but don't worry if you feel smaller up top and bigger on the bottom or vice versa she will gladly adjust the size so that it will mould to your body in a sliming fashion.

STEP 2- Choose your garment.I want them all!
These inescapable designs will blow your mind. Choose from bustiers, bustier dresses, Aline designs, jackets and much more.

I fell in love with everything, but chose a bustier dress for the Much Music Video Awards.

STEP 3- Choose your fabric and colour, accessories.Time to play dress up!


With the muslin garment on and fabrics in hand you are almost overwhelmed by the Fact that you are involved in the creative design process.

I narrowed my choices down to one fabric but had two colours in hand. What to go with, black or pink leather? Naturally, being a blonde I wanted to choose pink but Miss Rowe helped me decide that black would be a more practical colour and choice.

STEP 4- The Finale
Now that the fabric, color and zipper have been chosen it is time to wait for the final product.

I can't wait to see my own custom Miss Rowe bustier dress, and then the experience will truly be complete.

With no formal training, a self taught fashion entrepreneur Ashley Rowe gained her experience and talent from life.

"There is nothing better than learning from the people you are surrounded by, continuing to learn and grow is my inspiration," said Rowe.

With the vision of "let's move on" Rowe hopes to one day go international, which I have no doubt she will. Rowe's optimism and desire to push through is staggering. You can see the passion and love for fashion, design and creativity pulsing through her being with every breathe she takes.it makes her glow.

"This was a natural calling, it has been in my veins since I was born," said Rowe plopped on the 'comfy couch'.  

"I understand that once this becomes mainstream that the copy cats will come around. We are just waiting for that, but know, I would be really happy for anyone who created there own vision similar to this. I would be honoured if someone like Greta Constantine copied me.that would me amazing," said Rowe.

As I exited the exhibition grounds I kept thinking of something in particular.

"Come in, one on one, come spend and hour with the designer. We like to think we are playing dress up. So we wanted the set up to be like your bedroom. It gets to people the concept," said Rowe.

I am sorry but you don't get that service or connection with anything unless you are your own designer.

Ashley Rowe knows that this journey is to establish her dream, the dream that continues to grow and has made her who she is today.

"I have the confidence now that reflects that," said Rowe.  

Customize your very own Miss Rowe S09 piece, (you will soon be able to find her at) coming soon to the Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen Street West.

As I am thankful for my parents support and love throughout my life, Rowe is thankful to her parents for the support and opportunities they have provided regardless of the situation.

Check out www.MissRowe.com and customize your very own Miss Rowe Today.