Asha Ama Bias-Daniels crafts costumes for Cincinnati Ballet's 'Mercurial Landscapes'

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Bias-Daniels is inspired by the female form and her work celebrates duality with soft, rhythmic draping against pieces with an armored feel. She incorporates ornate detailing, print mixing, strong lines and cut outs that accentuate the curves of the "immaculate female form."

She has created pieces for a diverse range of artists from Zendaya to Little Big Town. Bias-Daniels has worked the full range of the fashion industry from corporate to couture design, designing the showpiece of Marchesa’s couture bridal collection and custom pieces for Lizzo’s Special tour. Bias-Daniels competed as a finalist on Tim Gunn's Project Runway: Under the Gunn. She was also invited back to compete on the hit show Project Runway All Stars. Her work has adorned the halls of the Contemporary Arts Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Taft Museum of Art.

As a Black woman, Bias-Daniels often found herself misunderstood, stereotyped and misidentified. She says sge was able to navigate the fashion world and survive because she was raised with a great knowledge of self that she tries to impart to others through her designs. Bias-Daniels has always had a heart for mentoring and education. It is her core belief that it is her duty to pull others up while finding her way.

Bias-Daniels is thankful for the technical design skills she learned during her time as a student in the fashion design program in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). She credits her technical sewing skills as a contribution to her first big break as a designer. She also wants to remind current and future artists in DAAP and beyond to take those technical skills and also live for their authentic-selves.

"You only have one life to live. You have to be selfish about your dream," she said. "Try new and different things now. Take chances. Bet on you. Find meaning in your work".