A problem with fashion is the relentless drive for “next.” Trends have to zoom; models must morph; editors try and churn pages of “the new” and “the fresh” and “the It” for fear of being left behind.

This is great for reinvention, and usually for business, but sometimes it puts young talent in a weird place.

Witness the case of Ashleigh Verrier, whose first collection - created as her senior thesis project at Parsons - got bought, in its entirety, by Saks. This was in 2004, when Tim Gunn was her thesis adviser and Proenza Schouler was her boss (she was their first-ever intern).

Soon, the 22-year-old was billed as an “up-and-coming” by magazines and newspapers, about a year after she could buy vodka. Now 26, Ashleigh is still younger than most emerging designers, with a sponsored show in Bryant Park and a list of celebrity clients fit for Page Six - not to mention a licensing deal in Japan that could grow her company and label.

Still, the “up-and-coming” title hasn’t vanished, despite newer newbies like Alexander Wang, Vena Cava, and Chris Benz (who shared several college classes with Ashleigh!) hitting the scene. “But I’m not complaining,” remarks the San Francisco native. “Sometimes, when I work with my seamstress, I feel like I’m still in grad school!”

Maybe - but does anyone in grad school make dresses for Courtney Cox?

Didn’t think so.