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Ashton Keys, MSU senior, looks to attend Paris Fashion Week

July 5, 2017
<p>Photo courtesy of Ashton Keys.</p>

Photo courtesy of Ashton Keys.

Ashton Keys, an experience architecture senior, is planning on making his brand’s European debut at Paris Fashion Week.

Keys’ brand, Ninety6, draws inspiration from the 1990s and the cultural influence of the decade. 

“I really felt that that era was so fruitful and (inspiring) fashion and things just culturally,” Keys said. “You had so many different iconic moments, iconic historical figures. Some of the artists such as Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Jay Z, all of those artists released in 1996.”

Inspiration for his brand also comes from his experiences, surroundings, environment and education. Based on his background, Keys said a significant part of his creativity comes from the tech world.

“(Fashion) showcases my technology background, how I’m tech by trade and I know code and I work in the technology field,” Keys said. “It’s just an opportunity to collaborate and connect those different ideologies and put it into one piece.”

During his childhood, Keys said that his family played a large role in influencing his decision to pursue fashion. His father, brother and sister all worked in the clothing industry which often led to conversations about the latest trends.

In the past, Keys said he participated in fashion shows as far as Miami, along with the local Michigan scene in Detroit. Around MSU, Keys and Ninety6 have hosted their very own event — MSU fashion week.

However, it was at Art Basel, an art show in Miami, that Keys became aware of the opportunity to participate in Paris Fashion Week. After some positive feedback and a warm response to his brand, Keys applied and was accepted to attend this year’s event.

Paris Fashion Week is a part of the “Big Four,” which also includes New York, London and Milan.

Ninety6 will make its debut among some of the most well known brands in the industry such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent.

Keys is currently holding a GoFundMe campaign in an effort to cover some of the expenses of his trip to Paris,  from product production to travel and lodging. This experience, Keys said, is a dream come true.

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