Build your own Miss Rowe

Ashley Rowe is quickly becoming the go-to designer for cool girls on the event circuit. You don’t have to look too hard to see someone sporting one of her Miss Rowe signature bustiers or modish mini-dresses.

For the next two Saturdays (June 13 and 20, missrowe.com), the designer is hosting a customization event at her studio in the Toronto Fashion Incubator’s Exhibition Place home (285 Manitoba Dr., Pod 3). During a 30-minute appointment, you can choose your favourite style—an A-line top or dress, bustier or bustier dress—and Rowe will help you put together your dream piece.

The idea to host an event came after a friend was looking for an outfit and Rowe made up a few muslins (a dummy piece in a plain fabric). “I have people coming down all the time for that kind of thing and I thought, this is a great idea.”

At the TFI Rowe has carved out a little couture salon where you can grab a coffee, curl your toes in the ivory shag rug and pore over brightly coloured leather swatches. “We set it up like your bedroom, so you can just lounge,” she says.

And shop, of course. Love the tunic? Go ahead and get it in orange suede ($325), line it in ivory silk and swap that exposed silver zipper for gold. “You really get to spend a half an hour with me, customizing your piece,” says Rowe. “You can choose every step of the way.” Other options to consider: One of those bustiers in gold lamé ($350) or a dress in custom-dyed hot pink dupioni silk ($250).

One particularly attractive feature of the event is the fact that Rowe has decided to keep the prices the same as you’d pay for an off the rack piece. “I want it to be affordable,” she explains. “You can get this kind of service at some stores, but only if you’re a top client. Why can’t everybody have that luxury?”

To book an appointment, email [email protected] with the subject line “RSVP.”

More Style