NEW YORK -- In the midst of Fashion Week in New York, one Minnesotan made a stylish mark.

In the Twin Cities, Ashley Wokasch is well known as half of the now-defunct label Calpurnia Peach, but in New York she worked behind-the-scenes for designer Rachel Antonoff. "It's a true New York experience," said Wokasch. "There's hustle and bustle from the moment you arrive. It's always an enthralling energy."

Wokasch was Antonoff's first intern in 2007. The two became close, so Wokasch flew in to assist with photo shoots and model castings. For the showing of Antonoff's fall 2011 collection, Wokasch screen-printed hearts and cats onto tights.

The prom-themed event took place Saturday in a high school gym. Models in party dresses danced to live music by The Like.

While in New York, Wokasch attended a book signing at Rizzoli for "Emerging Fashion Designers." The compilation features one of Wokasch's designs. Author Sally Congdon-Martin said the photo reminded her of Marc Jacobs. University of Minnesota graduates Lauren Koehne, Laura Musekamp, Elyse Olson and Stacey Wenzel are also included in the book.

Wokasch hopes to move from the Minne-apple to the Big Apple in the near future.

SARA GLASSMAN