When Ian Ousley first booked his latest acting role, he had no idea just how big the part would be. While auditioning for the role of Sokka in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action remake, the series title and role were hidden from the actors. Only after booking the role did he realize what he was in store for.

It’s a full circle moment for Ousley, who grew up a fan of the iconic animated series. It also marks his biggest project yet for the child actor who has appeared in hit shows such as “13 Reasons Why” and Elizabeth Olsen’s indie hit movie “Sorry for Your Loss.” The actor has been pursuing his love of acting since he was scouted in his hometown of Texas at the age of 13. While it’s a deep passion and focus for Ousley, it’s not his only creative endeavor. Fans might be surprised to know that in addition to being a world-ranked marital artist (he holds a World Championship title in creative weapons), he is also a talented entrepreneur and fashion designer.

Along with two friends, Ousley operates the fashion label KALÓ SOIL. The Los Angeles-based brand is known for utilizing vintage items and repurposing them into unique, timeless pieces. For the premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Ousley worked with his team to develop and design a custom look from the brand to wear on the red carpet, combining his love of fashion with his newest project that is sure to take the world by storm.

We caught up with the actor before to learn more about his upcoming role and fashion label.

What inspired you to start your own label, Kalo Soil?

I’ve been passionate about fashion since I was about 15-years old when I started sketching my own designs and learning how to digitize my designs through an apprenticeship under a professor at FIDM, Richard Gordon. It was a blessing to meet the guys that started Kaló Soil, Ryan “Sully” Sullivan and Hunter Baker, because when the acting strike started it allowed me to explore design as a creative outlet again, and they had already laid the foundations of the direction the brand was headed. The driving force of creating Kaló was to create a place for all of us to learn our own personal taste and combine it, sharpen each other and make something different. The inspiration boils down to the idea of the value of creation being determined by the love of the creator.

Tell me about the look for tonight. What went into designing this look, and what was the inspiration behind it?

The inspiration for tonight started out with White Ravens. Ravens mean a lot to me, so we wanted the silhouette and the color to be a nod without looking like a costume. The color white is also a big part of the Kaló Soil aesthetic, and we wanted to incorporate the design language of the brand while leaning into my own personal taste. Ryan Sullivan and I sat down and constructed the design together, but Sully sourced and hand sewed this entire look personally (apart from the shoes). We wanted this look to really represent me not only in my personal design taste but also showing glimpses of who I am through the art. We focused on executing that element specifically through the cross pendants, silver detailing and harsher textures.

What can fans expect from the new show? 

Fans can expect that same breath and spirit of the original animated series with the weight of seeing these characters as real human people. There is a different kind of weight when you’re watching these kids deal with the responsibility of saving the world or protecting their village when they are real people. The fantastical elements and VFX are epic, and our goal is just to have fans fall in love with this universe all over again – or for the first time for people that are unfamiliar with the series.

Are there any exciting plans for the brand as well? Any notable projects coming up?

I’m personally taking a step back at the moment with the show’s release and acting-related projects taking up a most of my time right now, but the Kaló guys Sully and Hunter are going full force into the new year. We’re working with a few different musical artists right now on similar projects like this look, but for tours and editorial placements. Something we can tease is we have a lot of unique ideas for the runway and the focus for right now is we’re working towards consistent seasonal ready-to-wear collections. I’m personally excited to keep creating a fashion narrative with Kaló Soil wherever we get the opportunity to express it.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

Photographed by Hunter Baker