Episode 12: Shelli Oh
Tim Drodge interviews critically acclaimed Toronto Fashion Designer Shelli Oh
Air Date August 30, 2017
Listen on SoundCloud or Subscribe on iTunes
Ten years on since her debut collection in the fall of 1997, Shelli Oh has been acclaimed by critics as a women’s wear designer synonymous with the words precious, feminine and ethereal. Over the years, the collection’s delicate charm and signature prettiness has touched the hearts of women across North America.
An alumnus of Ryerson University’s bachelor fashion design / manufacturing program, Shelli did an apprenticeship with famous New York fashion designer Betsey Johnson upon completing her formal education. And after a successful stint in NYC, She returned home to Toronto to launch the Harebell label.
The collections met with rapid success both in Canada and across the US. The overwhelming demand by American retailers resulted in an expansion to over 70 boutiques across the United States in just its third season. Shelli was a Matinee Fashion Foundation grant recipient in recognition for her excellence in design on two straight years – a massive accomplishment in her field. Eventually Shelli embraced her name as her brand with the collections moving forward simply under the ‘Shelli Oh’ label,
Her menswear collections have also quickly become a favorite in recent years, with pieces spotted on some noted celebrities & National Ballet of Canada principal dancers amongst many more.
In a wide ranging conversation we get insights from Shelli on an interesting business, inspiration and on the balance between art and commerce.
You can find her on Social Media on both Instagram and Twitter. Check out ShelliOh.com for pictures and on details of how to purchase pieces from her collections.