A.Oei Studio: Contemporary Womenswear With International Influence

My name is Angeline. I am the designer and founder of A.Oei Studio, an independent womenswear line that was launched in Seattle in 2016 and is now based in Washington, D.C. Originally from Singapore, I studied fashion in Amsterdam and designed for luxury fashion houses in Belgium, New York, and Singapore before I started A.Oei Studio. 

My fascination with fashion started at an early age when I found myself most interested in drawing people and what they wore. I believe this interest has to do with the fact that clothing is intimately related to the body. The tactile and three-dimensional nature of clothing means that I am constantly learning how to interact with different materials, how to adjust my designs to different body types, how a garment moves in different environments, and much more!

A.Oei Studio aims to fuse innovative and sustainable techniques in contemporary womenswear clothing. From design, textile artwork, and material sourcing to fabrication, the entire creation process is completed in the studio. Designed for timeless versatility, the pieces are made of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and bamboo; hand-made with customization options. My process usually starts with an artwork created through a combination of hand-sketching and digital editing before it is digitally printed onto fabric. These printed fabrics visually tell stories and add texture to the garment. My design approach is influenced by my culturally diverse experiences - from sober and conceptual Dutch fashion, Japanese draping, 90s minimalism, and New York street style to traditional Chinese dress styles. At the same time, my work is centered on the customer as we often collaborate on ideas that ultimately reflect and enhance her personal style. 

I hope to share my process and designs with you at Seedling Collective! My pop-up is a hybrid retail-production space where you can shop ready-made designs, tailor make a custom design, and learn more about A.Oei Studio. 

I will also be participating in Old Town Art Walk on July 21 and will have a fashion illustration demonstration as well as complimentary drinks. See you there!