bio

At the age of 18, Ashley Paige left the coast of Florida on a Greyhound bus with three hundred dollars, three suitcases, and the dream of building a career in fashion. Once in Los Angeles, she put herself through college designing a small collection of bikinis and selling them to friends and students, building her first die-hard fans and launching her revolutionary line of handmade knit bikinis. Within her first year of business, she landed eight covers including the highly coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Seven years later, she made a name for herself as the maven of swimwear, and her designs were in high demand among Hollywood's A-list celebrities including Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Fergie, Eva Mendes, Pamela Anderson, and Carmen Electra, just to name a few. Her styles have graced the pages of numerous magazines as well as countless television appearances including Extra, ET, the Style Network, MTV, VH1, Bravo, and TLC. This small-town girl hit the airwaves on TV's "Bikini or Bust," a television series about her life as a celebrated designer and avid animal rescuer.

On the philanthropic side, Ashley uses spotlight press to promote animal rescue. She brings homeless dogs down the runway, wears T-shirts reading "Save a Stray," and hosts weekly pet adoptions at her boutique-studio in Hollywood. In addition, she has rescued thousands of animals through her non-profit organization, Ruff Houzen Animal Rescue.

Ashley is also the author of Sexy Little Knits (Random House), a book that provides the at-home knitter with a fresh, do-it-yourself perspective on Ashley's groundbreaking designs.

fun facts

Ashley's Philosophy About Swimwear and Women's Bodies:
"Swimwear can either make or break your day at the beach. It's true. I have learned that no matter what weight or shape we are, the knit bikini gives the perfect feel and fit because it strengthens and molds to the body, in a forgiving, comfortable way -past, and that not like its non-conforming competitor, LYCRA...yikes!"

"They had it right in the '70s during the knit bikini heyday! If you notice old photographs of this era, you'll see how comfortable the women appear to be in their bikinis and with their sexuality. I want to see the women of today feel that same sense of freedom their mothers enjoyed in the past, and that's where I come in!"

"I am a T-shirt and jeans girl because I'm an animal rescuer, but the truth be told...there are two things that are just easy to throw on: jeans and a bikini - preferably the latter for me...ha-ha. I mix things up a bit with some favorite vintage pieces I've scored along the journey."

Very Important Clients:
"I most recently worked with Fergie to design her "Wedding Bikini." It's the new rage! Newlyweds need to look just as good on the honeymoon as they did on their "big day," and I believe that's where TRIA comes in too - you want to have beautifully smooth skin while lounging on the beach!"

Favorite Things:
"I love St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and collecting vintage knickknacks, of course from the '70s, and recently the '60s! I just scored the coolest sunshine yellow Schwinn bicycle. Everyone comes in the shop and tries to buy it - of course it's not for sale!"

Ashley's Hobbies:
"Since I am an earth sign, anything outdoors like camping, hiking, or just sitting in the sunshine - it's healing for my soul. I also love the beaches in Florida, warm water only for me, please!"

top tips

Ashley's fool-proof prescription for a sexy, beach-ready bod:

What should women keep in mind when shopping for the perfect swimsuit?
"Just go with the flow and be open. Don't over-think the small things or create issues that don't exist... we all know what I am talking about. The colors you wear affect your mood. For the sun, you need to find the perfect color to make your eye (color) "pop" and your skin glow."

How do you and your clients get bikini-ready?
"For me, all I need is a string bikini, hat and sunscreen. As for my clients...well, it's a whole different story! When picking their suits up, I hear many different stories... usually sounding a bit like this one: 'I just found the exact color of Christian Louboutins with rhinestones to match, and I have decided definitely rose gold over regular gold, shiny is so out!!!! Followed by, 'Oh and by the way - where should I go for a great wax?' Well, since I am a hippie and have never had one, I am quite thrilled to finally have an answer for them! Who needs waxing when you can do it yourself at home, and permanently with the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System!"

What is your advice to help women feel confident in their swimsuit?
"I know it painful, but just try this method. Stand tall, be proud of your body, believe in your bikini and strut your stuff. It works. After your first lap, you'll be a pro!"

What is the perfect pre-bathing suit beauty ritual a woman can do to look and feel her best?
"Remember your skin is almost all people see while you're in a bikini. I wish we were still living in the 70's but we're not! And it's no longer cool to have hair sticking out from anywhere, so invest in a TRIA Laser Hair Removal System, and you'll feel like a modern flower child! Also, scented oils will enhance your smooth skin and mind, simply apply lavishly from head to toe, don't miss a spot."

What do your celebrity clients ask for during a swimsuit consultation?
"Champagne, of course! And any of my fashion secrets!!! Pretty smart, cause I have lots of them!"

What are your top "Do's and Don'ts" when shopping for, and wearing, a swimsuit?
"Always shop alone, no girlfriends or boyfriends to put their "ten cents in" (unless they are buying, and if so, it could get tricky). Follow your gut instincts.. what feels right?"

Follow the 3 Golden Bikini Rules and ask yourself:
1. Is the color of my eyes standing out?
2. Is my skin glowing from my oils, treatments and morning (workout) routine?
3. Most importantly, do I see unwanted hair, ANYWHERE? (The answer should of course, be no!)

Is there a fool-proof swimsuit style or cut that works for everyone?
"Yes, the knit bikini, with-outside ties. Knits stretch and form to the body, while lycra grips and is so passe. Any size, weight, or height, a bikini works, just remember those 3 Golden bikini rules!"

What's the best accessory to complement the perfect swimsuit?
Of course, hair-free and beautifully smooth skin, a radiant smile and a confident attitude!