When most people graduate from university, they never see their thesis again- or want to. That's not the case with Ashleigh Verrier. When the 25-year old graduated from Parsons School of Design two years ago, Saks Fifth Avenue bought her entire thesis collection, plus a limited production run. Verrier's first big break was an internship at Proenza Schouler several years ago but these days her style has come into its own. Her look is classic and very ladylike, with a nod to a 1950s Audrey Hepburn or Tippi Hendren style (after all, this is a girl whose dog is named Schiaparelli). Her collection included pencil skirts, form fitting blouses and wide belts. Unlike most fashion designers today, her muse isn't the indie actress du jour but her mother, who lives on New York's Upper East Side. What's next for Verrier? She will make her debut at Bryant Park this autumn during the Olympus Fashion Week, Sept. 8-15, where she was selected as one of 10 emerging designers sponsored by UPS.

What is the last place that you visited, and where is the next place you're going?
The last place I visited was the Cayman Islands. I don't have any specific destination planned for the near future; however, I would love to go to Tokyo because Japan has been so supportive of the Verrier label.

How does travel inspire your designs?
Every time I have the opportunity to travel, I am exposed to something novel and fresh, giving life to a new perspective. I am convinced that my entire being receives some type of an electric boost. I joke that it is related to breathing a different arrangement of gases in the atmosphere visited.

When you need to relax and get away from it all, where do you go?
When I need to get away from it all, I like to go to the beach. The sound of the surf and the rhythm of the tide is very relaxing and always soothing. I literally wrap myself in sand as a figurative escape.

Who or what is the design inspiration behind your clothing line?
The design inspiration behind Verrier is to design pieces that are classic, individual and cooly glamorous for woman of all generations.

Describe your personal style.
My personal style is eclectic. I like mixing my own designs with vintage pieces. I think dressing up or down should be a creative experience. Exciting. Fun. Whenever possible, it's really great to start with a marvelously cut designer piece and then build on it.

What are the wardrobe essential items every stylish woman should own?
The Little Black Dress. This advice has become a cliché only because it is so true. A well-fitting black dress of good quality can be worn to nearly any occasion. In addition, a black dress can function as a blank canvas for accessorizing. For me one key to great personal style lies in one's ability to accessorize. One can change the entire look of an outfit by substituting one accessory for another. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined in original ways. Never uptight, achieving ”“ hopefully ”“ a kind of ”˜throwaway chic'. In addition, an imagined pair of ”˜to die for' shoes and bag have the advantage of always fitting even if weight fluctuates!

What are your favorite cities for shopping?
London, Paris, Milan and my backyard, NYC. These fashion capitals of the world offer such a unique and inspiring variety of  ”˜thrift finds' as well as the ”˜latest and greatest'.

Are you a bargain hunter or an impulse buyer?
It really depends what I am shopping for. I think we all experience those moments when we purchase something on impulse, especially if you are traveling and you imagine it as a last chance. It is a somewhat righteous feeling when you find a great bargain unexpectedly.

What is your favorite airline and why?
My favorite airline is British Airways. The service is always fantastic and the uniforms are ”˜tres chic'.

What is your favorite hotel and why?
My favorite hotel is The Ritz in Paris. It is exquisite in its elegant interior and rich colorful history. A grand escape with comforts to suit the wildest imagination.

What is your favorite pet peeve about women's fashion today?
My pet peeve in women's fashion is when rules are followed too stringently. Like ”˜Don't wear white after Labor Day' or ”˜Never wear pink with red because those colors clash'. Rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to fashion.  Dress for the moment and wear whatever makes you feel special!