What was once a small, cramped studio is now a space for shopping, alterations, design, and inclusivity. Walking up to Studio 601 it is common to hear an occasional laugh, humming of a sewing machine, and soft movements of fabric falling to the table. The space holds a multitude of sewing needles, pins, and thread but it also holds two women who have an eye for fashion and a determination for design.
Studio 601 Shop Space.
Studio 601 at LINNcinnati holds two of Cincinnati’s fashion designers, Alishia Lee creator of Me By Lee and Ayana M. Ames creator of AM. A-line Collections, both of which are here to make their mark. On June 29, Lee and Ames celebrated the grand reopening of their beloved Studio 601. The reopening of studio means a new and bigger space for the designs and opportunities for clients to come shop one-of-a-kind pieces.
Although the studio holds both designers their collections remain individually unique.
Studio 601 Work Room
Ames, who has a focus on men’s wear, designs garments for people to show their uniqueness through clothing, especially within a world that woman owned and created men’s wear. Ames also identifies herself as a brand designing for circularity. Circularity means to continue the life of an item by making and reusing it in designs to reduce waste and pollution into our environment.
“It keeps your clothes in circulation and not end up in landfill” Ames said, “some of what I do is if it’s already good quality, but the style might be out of date, I’ll redesign it and make it something new.”
Ayana Ames, Chief Designer and Proprietor of Am.A-line Collections
Lee, who has been sewing since the age of seven, predominately makes clothing that caters to the uniqueness of an individual and allows clients to reflect a personal brand.
“Your clothing is like a silent introduction” Lee said, “it’s how you walk into a room, how people perceive you and how you carry yourself.”
Alishia Lee, Chief Designer and Proprietor of Me by Lee Boutique
Ames and Lee have been working alongside each other in the same studio over a year now. With the opening of a new shopping section in the studio, both designers are excited to grow their collections and clients.
“To have a space where people can come and have a safe shopping experience is something that I’m really passionate about” Lee said, “a space where people come play with fabrics, learn about fabrics and learn about their body type.”
Ames hand stitches a tag into one of her signature garments
The new space in the studio offers an area for clients to come and shop for clothes that are ready-to-wear, specially designed for them, altered, circulated and singular. Although these designers have two different styles and collections, they have come together to create an open and welcoming environment for every client that walks through the doors.
Lee works on a custom piece at her sewing machine
“We have a lot of synergy and creative ideas that mesh pretty well together,” Ames said, “we can help one another.”
Ames and Lee collaboration in Studio 601 offers clothing apparel for every individual that walks through their doors. Allowing for both designers to expand and chase their individualized dreams.
“It just feels like I’m getting closer and closer to my overall dream, which is, just taking over the fashion world,” Lee said.
Lee prepares a garment for the showroom
To see more incredible pieces from both of these designers, visit them at Am.A-line Collections and Me by Lee websites.
