Michelle Ochs has made a name for herself since her days at Parsons School of Design, which she graduated in 2007.
Her unique sexy-minimalist sensibility has attracted influential women over the years, including Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong’o and Jennifer Lopez, and earned her the recognition of the fashion industry as a 2011 finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and a CFDA Fashion Awards nominee, among other career awards.
Her Filipino heritage has been a driving force and a point of reference for many of her inspirations and designs, and her community has stood behind her, too. Ochs’s designs graced the March 2023 cover of Vogue Philippines.
Today, she continues designing under ET OCHS, and as of 2023, also serves as the creative director for Herve Leger, the French fashion house founded in 1985.
Give us some background on your heritage and how you ended up where you are today.
I was born in Canada to a Filipino mother and a German father, which has greatly influenced my worldview and creative journey. Growing up in a multicultural household allowed me to appreciate the beauty of diversity and sparked my curiosity about different cultures. After studying fashion design and gaining experience in the industry, I’m honored to now serve as creative director at Herve Leger.
How does your heritage play a role in the way you approach your business and design?
My heritage serves as a constant source of inspiration in both my personal and professional life. From my Filipino background, I draw upon a deep sense of community, resilience, and creativity. These values infuse my design process, informing everything from color choices to garment construction techniques. Similarly, my German heritage instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to quality, which are reflected in the craftsmanship of my collections.
What are some things you wish people knew more about when it comes to your heritage?
I wish more people understood the richness and diversity of Filipino culture beyond just its cuisine and festivals. The Philippines boasts a vibrant history, rich traditions, and a dynamic arts scene that deserve greater recognition on the global stage. Similarly, I hope to see greater appreciation for the contributions of German culture to the fields of art, design, and craftsmanship. By embracing the complexities of our heritage, we can foster greater understanding and connection across communities.
