RLT Interview #11: Ashley Moubayed, Founder, Don’t Let Disco

On her grandfather's stamp collection, auction catalogs, and sourcing beads.

The RLT Interview explores all the things, people, and places that have informed a person's taste and, more importantly, sense of self. This week, I chat with Ashley Moubayed, who is the founder of New York-based jewelry brand Don’t Let Disco.

Get to know Ashley as she muses about the art of collecting, imperfection, and African amber beads. Read more RLT Interviews here.

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(1): Ashley (2): Her mom

On Taste

The way people collect things, what captures their interest, and the thrill of the hunt has always inspired me.

My grandfather had a remarkable career with the postal service, working his way up to become the director of over 300 post offices in Ohio—a significant accomplishment for a Black man during that era. He was a passionate stamp collector and amassed one of the most comprehensive collections of Black stamps. Spelman University even considered purchasing it at one point. He has entire hundred-page sheets of stamps because many honoring important Black historical figures, such as Harriet Tubman, weren't issued until the late 1980s or 1990s. He made it his mission to collect any stamp featuring a Black historical figure. Additionally, he had an impressive collection of brass figurines. When he finally retired, his colleagues humorously noted that they knew it was his last day because my photo and his little brass figurines were missing from his desk.

(1): Ashley’s grandfather (2): A newspaper article about Ashley’s grandfather

While my grandmother collected coins, it was her personal style that truly inspired me. She embraced a very minimalist aesthetic—something I appreciate, even though my own style is different. Her go-to outfit often involved a navy t-shirt, and rather than skirts, she'd frequently opt for jeans or tailored trousers, paired with gathered-toe leather loafers, perhaps a gold chain with an abstract-style crucifix or charm, and always her precise bob hairct. She also had a love for jewelry and would wear it even for quick trips like grabbing the mail. Being from Kentucky, she had a subtle equestrian influence in her style, favoring rich, tanned leathers. I found her slightly androgynous style really interesting, especially considering some of her more conservative opinions. It struck me that her conservatism didn't dictate a traditionally feminine wardrobe; she'd often favor the practicality and clean lines of trousers over a skirt.

The feel and sound of my mom, Jewell's, 22-karat yellow gold bangles are some of my earliest and most vivid memories—they were her most treasured items. Shopping with her could be an exercise in patience, as she'd often stay in stores until closing time, a habit that filled me with childhood anxiety. But if I ever got lost, the delicate jingle of her bangles was my comforting guide. She instilled in me a love for jewelry, including my fascination with amber's beautiful color changes with heat. My mom also has a keen eye for unique finds, especially at estate sales. In a seemingly different vein, she's always been drawn to well-crafted artisan toys and has collections of pens and calculators. I have a very specific memory of her buying us French-made dolls, Corolle I think was the name of the brand but they had a distinct and comforting scent of powder and chocolate.

(1): Ashley’s mom and grandmother (2): Ashley and her sisters

These experiences have all influenced how I've developed my style and the things I'm passionate about. For example, I collect Hermes Kermit Oliver Scarves—discovering that he also worked for the US Postal Service created a special connection for me because of my grandfather's career. It's incredibly important to me to collect and advocate for Black art and Black creativity.

For almost five years, I worked at Sotheby's Auction House, managing marketing for their middle market sales, which included rare books and manuscripts, 20th-century design, European decorative arts, Renaissance and Old Master paintings, prints, and photographs. Being a textbook Libra, I found it such a joy to be surrounded by incredible and rare art. I was particularly obsessed with the auction catalogs, keeping many, especially those for 20th-century design. Much of what I experienced in the art world inspires the designs I create for Don’t Let Disco.

Auctions are really interesting events. An object comes in, generating a lot of excitement, we create a marketing strategy, it goes up for auction, and then it's all over, often disappearing into someone's private collection, perhaps never to be seen publicly again. This is why I started the Instagram account Don't Let Disco, or Don't Let ‘This Go,’ to share the behind-the-scenes moments that happened at the auction house.

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