From Hidden Figures to Helping Young Readers: Ashro Returns to Get Read(y) to Wear 

For the second year in a row, Ashro proudly participated in the Madison Reading Project’s annual Get Read(y) to Wear fundraiser—an inspiring event that combines creativity, fashion, and community impact to support children’s literacy.

After taking home 1st Place in 2025 with our Phenomenal Woman paper dress honoring legendary Black women, our team was excited to return with an entirely new challenge and an even bigger vision. 

👉 Read about last year’s winning design: https://www.ashro.com/blog/ashro-women/stories-partnerships/ashro-community-council-paper-dress/  

Out of This World Inspiration 

This year’s event theme was “Out of This World,” inspiring our team to look skyward for inspiration. 

Led by Merchandising Manager Suzanne Sawyer, Ashro’s design team created an Afrofuturist-inspired concept called Hidden Figures, honoring Black pioneers in space and science whose brilliance helped shape history—even when their contributions weren’t always widely recognized. 

Drawing inspiration from visionaries such as Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, the design celebrated curiosity, innovation, and the limitless possibilities created by generations of Black excellence.

One Dress Became Two 

After creating a single paper dress in 2025, our team decided to stretch its creativity even further this year. 

Instead of designing one paper outfit, the team challenged itself to create two coordinated looks, transforming hundreds of pages into a runway presentation that told a larger story about partnership, possibility, and shared purpose. 

The designs were modeled by Madison’s own Leotha and Tamera Stanley, a dynamic duo whose presence brought an entirely new dimension to the presentation. 

Leotha’s involvement was especially meaningful. As editor of UMOJA Magazine, he has long been a champion of positive Black community storytelling. Once again, Ashro partnered with UMOJA Magazine, using its pages as the foundation for the designs—literally turning stories into wearable art.

Bringing Hidden Figures to Life 

The project came together through the collaboration of many talented contributors. 

Suzanne’s creative vision was supported by Ashro’s FIT and Technical Design teams, Julie, Tamara, and Kirstie, whose expertise helped transform concepts and sketches into functional runway garments. Other helpers from the Ashro Community Council included: Sarah, Ashlee, Caitlin, Christine, Jessica, and Brenda.  

A special artistic element was contributed by Desere Mayo, whose hand-drawn illustrations of Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison, and Neil deGrasse Tyson became a focal point of the designs. Her artwork added an intimate storytelling layer that connected the audience directly to the pioneers being honored. 

Desere was the 2025 Onward & Upwards Artist Showcase Contest Winner: https://www.ashro.com/blog/ashro-women/stories-partnerships/meet-the-artist-desere-mayo/  

The garments were further adorned with paper mâché names of additional Black pioneers, creating a rich visual tribute to innovators whose achievements continue to inspire future generations. 

A Night of Creativity and Community 

Set to the iconic sounds of “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind & Fire, Leotha and Tamera took to the runway in synchronized fashion, embodying the concept of a shared orbit. Their presentation blended fashion, storytelling, music, and movement into a memorable performance that captivated the audience. 

Among 16 entries, the competition was fierce, with local designers and community organizations showcasing remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. After the judges narrowed the field to the top finalists, audience voting determined the final placements. 

Fashion with Purpose 

While creating paper couture is undeniably fun, the true purpose of the event is even more meaningful. 

Every design on the runway helps support the Madison Reading Project, whose mission is to connect children with books and literacy resources that inspire a lifelong love of reading. 

For Ashro, participating in Get Read(y) to Wear is about more than fashion. It’s about community, collaboration, representation, and investing in the next generation. 

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their talent, creativity, and time to bring Hidden Figures to life—and we’re honored to support an organization that helps ensure more children can discover the power of a great story. 

Because whether through fashion, literacy, or community partnerships, we believe every story deserves to be told. 🚀📚✨