Ashon Sylvester is the name behind Volorean. Born and raised in Palm Springs, California, Ashon graduated from Mesa Grande Academy in 2002 and worked as a graphic designer for Studio Waterman Inc. Interior Design Firm before beginning his studies in Men’s Wear Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. While at school, he worked for Bay Area design companies Joseph Domingo, Free Gold Watch, and Black Klown Clothier. Last year, he was the recipient of the University’s Linus Mendenhall Scholarship for Men’s Wear Design. On May 6th, Ashon presented his men’s wear collection inspired by space Indians and made from leather at the University’s Graduation Fashion Show. The audience included Suzy Menkes Fashion Editor of International Herald Tribune, Julie Chaiken, Keanan Duffty, Patrik Ervell, Ian Hannula and Joe Haller of N.I.C.E. Collective, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony, Elisa Palomino Vice President of Design for Diane von Fürstenberg, as well as Walter Van Beirendonck and Dirk Van Saene, two original members of The Antwerp Six. After the fashion show, Suzy Menkes presented Ashon with the University’s French Scholarship Award to study in Paris at Studio Berçot and, referring to jacket design details in his collection, said, “I think that anyone who can put a head inside the shoulder of a leather jacket will do fine in Paris.” Ashon will spend the summer in Palm Springs before going to Paris this fall.