Fashion has always been part of our lives. From our ancestors donning animal skins pulled and held together by plant fibers and bones, the materials used in clothing today, the sense of fashion, and style have come a long way in the fashion and apparel industry.
When it comes to being responsible and overseeing the creative process of the overall brand’s identity and look, the Creative Directors come into play and work alongside designers and stylists of the brand sharing their unique perceptions of fashion revival techniques, their eye for detail on clothing, materials, fabrics, accessories, style elements, collections, campaigning, and other aesthetics. Creative Directors of a brand and clothing line are responsible for building the brand’s identity, vision, and branding.
On this note, we shall come together and enter the world of fashion and style with a famous brand called Hervé Léger and its Creative Director – Michelle Ochs. Hervé Léger was founded in 1985 by Hervé Peugnet who famously designed the popular and signature “Bandage Dress” clothing collection and style. Redefining and breaking boundaries are all too common in the fashion industry. Fashion and style have played a huge role in our culture, heritage, society, and country. With creativity and innovation at its core, an eye for identifying and viewing designs, and the ability to express and communicate style and color, the Creative Directors of a brand and clothing line hold the highest creative position in any fashion house. After leading and directing her clothing line – “ET OCHS”, Michelle Ochs was called to join and take on the role of Creative Director at Hervé Léger. This article will share insights into how passion, creativity, and the understanding of the female form are combined and integrated by Michelle Ochs to drive growth and success at this iconic brand.
A Visionary and An Industry Veteran:
Born in the United States, Michelle Ochs always had an eye for design, detail, and a passion for fashion, clothes, and style. With a heart and soul driven deeply into creativity and innovation, Michelle graduated from Parsons School of Design in NYC, USA, and has a BA in Fashion Design. She was the Co-founder and Creative Director of “Cushnie et Ochs” with Carly Cushnie. After an unfortunate split from Carly, Michelle started her clothing line and brand as the sole Founder and Creative Director at “ET OCHS” in 2021. Since then Michelle has come a long way and brings almost sixteen years of experience, creativity, passion, determination, and commitment to Hervé Léger as the brand’s Creative Director.
An Eye and Passion For Design:
Recognizing Michelle Ochs’ drive and commitment to the fashion house and industry, her sense of aesthetics and sculptural silhouettes attracted the attention and eyes of other fashion designers, influential women, and famous luxury brands. From Michelle Obama, Kate Hudson, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé, Michell Ochs’ designs and innovation in fashion revival and style have left an impactful and inspiring mark on the entire fashion house.
Revitalizing Hervé Léger’s Signature Bandage Dress:
Being asked to be a part of the family at this iconic brand founded by the famous fashion designer – Hervé Peugnet (also known as Hervé L. Leroux), was a huge opportunity for Michelle. She took the offer in 2023 and has since embarked head-first on her new journey with determination and drive. Driving both growth and success at Hervé Léger, Michelle’s undying passion for the arts and styles in the fashion house has garnered many eyes and brands toward her inspiring and invigorating one-of-a-kind portfolio. “Hervé Léger is a historic fashion house. I am honored to lead the team in this next chapter and make my mark on this iconic brand”, states Michelle. To elevate and bring back the famous and iconic Bandage Dresses as the Creative Director, Michelle applies her expertise in the field, combining it with passion, design, and understanding of the female form to revitalize the signature clothing style. Responsible for and overseeing the creative aspects of all the projects, the 2024 clothing collection in PreFall, Spring/Summer, Resort, Fall/Winter, and PreFall was unveiled at New York’s Fashion Week in Septemeber 2023 and can be viewed through the brand’s official website online.
Michelle Ochs’ Achievements and Accolades:
Over sixteen inspirational years, Michelle Ochs has been recognized and rewarded for her endeavors in the fashion industry and won many awards for her accomplishments. Some of them are – the Ecco Domani Award in 2009, a Nominee for the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award in 2010, a Finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2011, and was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2011. Michelle also secured multiple nominations for the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award as a True Design Visionary.
Although Michelle Ochs’ new journey just started at Hervé Léger as the Creative Director leading the brand’s team, her drive for commitment, female empowerment, and revitalization of the brand’s vision and identity is very promising in undoubtedly showcasing impressive portfolios in the future!