Louisa Charlotte Oates / UK
Louisa Charlotte Oates’ practice evolved intuitively, shaped by a deep relationship with cloth and the knowledge carried through generations of her family. Trained in fashion and textile design, Louisa later undertook research into traditional handwoven textiles in Japan, leading to an ongoing engagement with Japanese textiles and design methodologies. Her northern Italian heritage is equally present: her mother and late grandmother were both seamstresses and artists, and her mother has recently joined her small team.
From her studio in East Sussex, Louisa remains closely involved in the entire journey of each garment, making her pieces by hand and largely to order. She sources specialist cottons, linens and OEKO-TEX-certified handwoven silks from small family-run Japanese suppliers, alongside end-of-line designer fabrics sourced in London. Allowing the cloth itself to lead the design, she seeks to make garments that carry a sense of soul: quietly sculptural pieces that balance simplicity with a courageous sense of style and meticulous detail. Made slowly and in close relationship with the wearer, pieces can be adapted to individual specifications, with alterations and aftercare offered to extend their life.
