South Dakota Women Shine at Paris Fashion Week | National Women’s History Month

Paris Fashion Week showcased the talents of two South Dakota women this month, a cosmetologist and a photographer, both hailing from relatively small towns in the state.

Karli Keck, a cosmetologist from Groton, and Ashlyn Dinger, a photographer from Aberdeen, had their work featured on and behind the scenes of the prestigious event, according to Dakota News Now. The accomplishment occurred during National Women’s History Month.

The two women initially met while attending cosmetology school, but their career paths diverged as Dinger transitioned to photography, establishing Ashlyn Lee Photography, while Keck continued to develop her skills in hair styling. Their paths unexpectedly converged in Paris.

“I didn’t head into it having like any idea of the fashion industry at all,” Dinger told Dakota News Now. “I’m clearly from South Dakota, and fashion’s not big here, and I’ve never just been in an environment like that, so it was really cool!”

Keck’s role involved collaborating with a team to create hairstyles for runway shows, including a dedicated “Hair Couture” showcase focused solely on hairstyling artistry. “So there wasn’t a fashion designer or anything, it was just to show the hairstylists’ creativity and their passion,” Keck explained.

Dinger was responsible for photographing the event, a role she secured after independently applying. Keck was selected from approximately 1,000 applicants for the hair team, according to Dakota News Now.

The opportunity arose after both women independently submitted applications, embracing the belief that even rejection is a step toward success. “I might as well just apply; the worst she can do is tell me no,” Keck said.

News of their participation also reached Aberdeen’s mayor, Travis Schaunaman, who shared a post on Facebook acknowledging Keck’s talent and connection to Paris Fashion Week on February 11, 2026.

Both women expressed the significance of representing their state on an international stage and inspiring others, particularly young women in small towns, to pursue their passions. “It’s honestly such an honor to represent our state,” Keck said. “Even if it inspires like one girl to go after what they’re passionate about, that’s a win to me, and hopefully it helps create more opportunities for people in our area too.”

Dinger added, “So it’s just really cool to know that even some 22-year-vintage from South Dakota can do anything really.”

A post on Instagram from March 11, 2026, highlighted their work, with a photo credit to Ashlyn Dinger.