{{Short description|American fashion designer}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = | name = Michelle Ochs | honorific_suffix = | image = Michelle Ochs.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Ochs's Portrait | birth_name = | birth_date = | birth_place = Calgary, Alberta, Canada | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_place = | citizenship = | education = | alma_mater = Parsons School of Design | occupation = Fashion designer | years_active = 2005–present | organization = | height = | title = {{ubl|Creative director of Hervé Léger Founder of Cushnie et Ochs}} Founder of Et Ochs | term = | spouse = | partner = | children = | parents = | awards = Ecco Domani Award | website = }} '''Michelle Ochs''' is an American fashion designer and Creative Director.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=2023-06-12 |title=Michelle Ochs Named Creative Director of Hervé Léger |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/michelle-ochs-tapped-as-creative-director-of-herve-leger-1235679814/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> She rose to prominence as co-founder of Cushnie et Ochs,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bobb |first=rooke |date=2015-12-21 |title=Cushnie et Ochs's Michelle Ochs and Matthew Kopko's Destination Wedding in Jamaica |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/weddings-cushnie-et-ochs-michelle-ochs-jamaica |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> founder of Et Ochs<ref name=":3" /> in 2021 and since 2023 is the Creative Director of Hervé Léger.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Nicky |title=Michelle Ochs is the New Creative Director at Hervé Léger |url=https://cfda.com/news/michelle-ochs-is-the-new-creative-director-at-herve-leger |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=cfda.com |date=15 June 2023 }}</ref> Since then, Ochs has made an impact on the fashion scene with her signature sleek aesthetic and daring silhouettes.<ref name=":4" />
She is the winner of the 2009 Ecco Domani Award, a finalist for the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, a nominee for the 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear and 2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, and Forbes 30 under 30.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scheidnes |first=Jean |date=2009-01-05 |title=Ecco Domani Names Award Winners |url=https://wwd.com/feature/ecco-domani-names-award-winners-1907964-1568234/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> and received multiple nominations for the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richard |first=Mackenzie |date=2023-06-12 |title=Michelle Ochs Takes the Helm as Creative Director of Hervé Léger |url=https://theimpression.com/michelle-ochs-takes-the-helm-as-creative-director-of-herve-leger/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=The Impression |language=en-US}}</ref>
She has been an active member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) since 2012.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Benissan |first=Ezreen |date=2023-06-12 |title=Michelle Ochs Joins Hervé Léger to Revive the Bandage Dress Brand |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/michelle-ochs-joins-herve-leger-to-revive-the-bandage-dress-brand |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref>
She is also the Founder and Creative Director of ET OCHS, which was launched in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grechko |first=Irina |title=Beyond The Bandage Dress: Michelle Ochs Is Taking Herve Leger Into A New Era |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/herve-leger-michelle-ochs-interview |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.refinery29.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Early life and education == She was born in Calgary, Alberta<ref>{{Cite web |title=MICHELLE OCHS ON COMMUNITY, RESILIENCE AND CREATIVITY |url=https://cfda.com/news/michelle-ochs-on-community-resilience-and-creativity |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=cfda.com |date=24 May 2024 }}</ref> and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and completed a military high school education in Washington, DC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hendricks |first=Kaitlynn |title=The state of fashion in the District |url=http://www.elevationdcmedia.com/features/FashionDC_070213.aspx |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Elevation DC}}</ref> Her early interest in fashion and design led her to pursue formal education in the field.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelle Ochs |url=https://fashionshow.fitnyc.edu/fof2024/articles/critics/michelle-ochs.html#:~:text=A%20graduate%20of%20the%20Parsons,indelible%20mark%20on%20the%20industry. |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=fashionshow.fitnyc.edu |language=en}}</ref> She is of mixed German and Filipino heritage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US fashion world asks: where are all the black designers? |url=https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Us-fashion-world-asks-where-are-all-the-black-designers-,790815.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=FashionNetwork.com |date=9 February 2017 |language=en-WW}}</ref>
Ochs attended Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design.<ref name="fashionelite_carly-cushnie-michelle-ochs">{{Cite web |date=2016-09-20 |title=Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs |url=https://fashionelite.com/profile/carly-cushnie-michelle-ochs/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Fashion Elite |language=en-US}}</ref> She received the Designer of the Year award in 2007.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-06-12 |title=Michelle Ochs Appointed as Creative Director of Hervé Léger |url=https://authenticnewsroom.com/press-releases/michelle-ochs-creative-director-herve-leger |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Authentic Newsroom |language=en-US}}</ref>
During her time at Parsons, she worked as a design intern for Marc Jacobs before moving on to Isaac Mizrahi's Made to Order.<ref name="fashionelite_carly-cushnie-michelle-ochs" /> She also interned at Chado Ralph Rucci's workshop, where she learned firsthand about the couture processes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-12 |title=Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs Celebrate 10 Years |url=https://crfashionbook.com/fashion-a17016018-cushnie-et-ochs-10-year-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=CR Fashion Book |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Career == Ochs, along with her business partner, established their fashion brand Cushnie et Ochs in 2008 following their graduation from Parsons New School for Design.<ref>{{Cite web |last=WW |first=FashionNetwork com |title=Michelle Ochs steps back from Cushnie et Ochs |url=https://ww.fashionnetwork.com/news/Michelle-ochs-steps-back-from-cushnie-et-ochs,948660.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=FashionNetwork.com |date=16 February 2018 |language=en-WW}}</ref> The brand's debut collection for Spring 2009 was exclusively retailed at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Travers |first=Alex |date=2014-12-04 |title=Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs on Doing More Than Sexy Cutouts |url=https://fashionista.com/2014/12/cushnie-et-ochs-cutouts |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Fashionista |language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, she announced her departure from Cushnie et Ochs.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last= |date=2020-06-03 |title=Cushnie et Ochs Was One of New York Fashion's Most Striking Young Brands, Now its Founders Are Fighting in Court |url=https://www.thefashionlaw.com/cushnie-et-ochs-was-one-of-new-york-fashions-most-striking-young-brands-now-its-founders-are-fighting-in-court/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=The Fashion Law |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=IN |first=FashionNetwork com |title=Michelle Ochs steps back from Cushnie et Ochs |url=https://in.fashionnetwork.com/news/Michelle-ochs-steps-back-from-cushnie-et-ochs,948833.html |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=FashionNetwork.com |date=19 February 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> As Creative Director, Ochs played a role in shaping the brand's aesthetic and vision.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roche |first=Eddie |date=2016-02-12 |title=Cushnie et Ochs on Keeping their Sexy |url=https://fashionweekdaily.com/cushnie-et-ochs-keeping-sexy/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Daily Front Row |language=en}}</ref> Her designs were celebrated for their sophistication, and attention to detail.<ref name=":5" /> During her tenure, the line became synonymous with modern femininity, attracting fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.<ref name=":6" />
In 2012, at just 27 years old, Ochs experienced a pivotal moment when a stylist from Michelle Obama's office reached out to their brand to design a dress for the First Lady.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barrow |first=Delece Smith- |title=Designer Michelle Ochs brings a D.C. flavor to New York Fashion Week |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/designer-michelle-ochs-brings-a-dc-flavor-to-new-york-fashion-week/2012/01/20/gIQARfbPnQ_story.html |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
Her designs have become red carpet staples, she designed for Karlie Kloss,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mau |first=Dhani |date=2018-03-06 |title=Cushnie et Ochs Spring 2014: Karlie Kloss Steals the Show |url=https://fashionista.com/2013/09/cushnie-et-ochs-spring-2014-karlie-kloss-steals-the-show |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Fashionista |language=en}}</ref> Beyoncé,<ref>{{Cite web |last=TFL |date=2020-09-02 |title=Default Judgment Brings Designer's Lawsuit Against the Brand She Co-Founded to a Close |url=https://www.thefashionlaw.com/default-judgment-brings-designer-lawsuits-against-the-brand-she-co-founded-to-a-close/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=The Fashion Law |language=en}}</ref> Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Michelle Obama, Reese Witherspoon, and Diane Kruger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carly & Michelle Of Cushnie et Ochs Take Us Behind The Scenes Of NYC's Coolest Label |url=https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/guest-list/cushnie-et-ochs |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Guest of a Guest |language=en}}</ref> She has also designed for Zoe Saldana,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-03 |title=Cushnie et Ochs on Fall Trends and Dressing Kristen Stewart |url=https://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a21983/cushnie-et-ochs-interview-fall-trends-and-dressing-kristen-stewart/ |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=ELLE |language=en-US}}</ref> Margot Robbie<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jose |first1=Christian San |last2=mvillegas |date=2023-09-12 |title=Fil-Am designer Michelle Ochs' Hervé Léger debut breathes new life into the bandage dress |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/136408/michelle-ochs-herve-leger |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=INQUIRER.net USA |language=en}}</ref> and Kate Hudson.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Donovan |first=Louise |date=2018-02-12 |title=The Duo Behind Cushnie Et Ochs Talk Zaha Hadid, Curves And Dressing Gal Gadot |url=https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/trends/articles/a41587/cushnie-et-ochs-new-york-fashion-week/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=ELLE |language=en-GB}}</ref>
In 2021, Ochs relaunched her eponymous label, ET OCHS.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MICHELLE OCHS IS BACK WITH ET OCHS! |url=https://cfda.com/news/michelle-ochs-is-back-with-et-ochs |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=cfda.com |date=7 September 2021 }}</ref> She partnered with JS Group, a Canadian family-run business which owns and operates several womenswear brands.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=2021-09-07 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Ochs Is Back in Business With Et Ochs Collection |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/michelle-ochs-own-collection-et-ochs-1234907761/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> Ochs debuted her first Spring 2022 collection as a part of New York Fashion Week.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Yotka |first=Steff |date=2022-02-16 |title=Et Ochs Fall 2022 Ready-to-Wear Collection |url=https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2022-ready-to-wear/et-ochs |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
In 2023, she was appointed as the Creative Director of Hervé Léger in a bid to revitalize the brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benissan |first=Ezreen |date=2023-06-12 |title=Michelle Ochs Joins Hervé Léger to Revive the Bandage Dress Brand |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/michelle-ochs-joins-herve-leger-to-revive-the-bandage-dress-brand |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> Her debut Spring 2024 collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Criales-Unzueta |first=José |date=2023-09-06 |title=Hervé Léger Spring 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection |url=https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2024-ready-to-wear/herve-leger |access-date=2025-01-29 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> for the brand focused on adding dimension, movement, and fluidity to the brand's signature bandage dresses, expanding into streamlined separates like pants, jumpsuits, and tops.<ref>{{Cite web |title=michelle ochs-herve-leger-nyfw-first-collection |url=https://vogue.ph/fashion/michelle-ochs-herve-leger-nyfw-first-collection/ |website=Vogue|date=11 September 2023 }}</ref> Ochs has infused modern touches into classic designs, and takes inspiration from Hervé Léger's extensive archives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manoff |first=Jill |date=2023-11-01 |title=Hervé Léger's Melissa Lefere-Cobb and Michelle Ochs on reviving the brand with 'product, price and PR' |url=https://www.glossy.co/podcasts/herve-legers-melissa-lefere-cobb-and-michelle-ochs-on-reviving-the-brand-with-product-price-and-pr/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Glossy |language=en}}</ref> Since taking the reins, she has breathed new life the label known for its signature bandage dress and expanding its offerings beyond the signature bandage silhouette.<ref name=":2" />
== Style and inspiration == Ochs's style is characterized by sleek lines and silhouettes.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Barrow |first=Delece Smith |title=Designer Michelle Ochs brings a D.C. flavor to New York Fashion Week |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/designer-michelle-ochs-brings-a-dc-flavor-to-new-york-fashion-week/2012/01/20/gIQARfbPnQ_story.html |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Throughout her career she has demonstrated a mastery of tailoring techniques and a command of stretch fabrics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-20 |title=Et Ochs Spring/Summer 2022: Gorgeous Cut-Outs & Fit |url=https://www.fashionality.nyc/et-ochs-spring-summer-2022-gorgeous-cut-outs-fit/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Fashionality.nyc |language=en-US}}</ref>
She has a talent for incorporating innovative elements into her collections.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Designer Michelle Ochs Is Back, And Her Second Coming ... |url=https://vogue.ph/fashion/designer-profile/designer-michelle-ochs-is-back-and-her-second-coming-is-even-better/ |website=Vogue Philippines|date=16 November 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Faz |first=Silvia |date=2015-12-21 |title=Michelle Ochs and Matthew Kopko's Jamaican Wedding |url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/michelle-ochs-matthew-kopko-wedding-photos |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Syrett |first1=Alison |date=11 May 2023 |title=4 Fashion Designers On Style And Motherhood (& What They Think Of The Sad Beige Trend) |url=https://www.romper.com/life/fashion-designer-mothers |website=Romper |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-12-28 |title=Matthew Kopko, '12: Marries Designer and Cofounder of Cushnie et Ochs, Michelle Ochs {{!}} University of Chicago Law School |url=https://www.law.uchicago.edu/news/matthew-kopko-12-marries-designer-and-cofounder-cushnie-et-ochs-michelle-ochs |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.law.uchicago.edu |language=en}}</ref> "Vogue has described Ochs' clothing as combining sensuousness, intelligence, and sophistication, with designs that simplify the process of dressing while maintaining a sense of uniqueness."<ref name=":7" />
== Awards and recognition ==
* PARSONS Designer of the Year 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mackin Cipro |first=Jessica |title=Michelle Ochs: New Hervé Léger Creative Director Honored At Hamptons Fashion Week |url=https://jameslanepost.com/michelle-ochs-new-herve-leger-creative-director-honored-at-hamptons-fashion-week/07/31/2023/Hamptons-News-Happenings |website=Jameslane post.|date=31 July 2023 }}</ref> * Winner of the 2009 Ecco Domani Award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murg |first=Stephanie |date=2009-01-06 |title=Ecco Domani Announces Fashion Foundation Award Winners |url=https://www.adweek.com/performance-marketing/ecco-domani-announces-fashion-foundation-award-winners/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=www.adweek.com |language=en-US}}</ref> * Finalist for the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-27 |title=The 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/the-2011-cfda-vogue-fashion-fund-finalists |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref> * Nominee for the 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear.<ref name="fashion-news_1234907761">{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=2021-09-07 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Michelle Ochs Is Back in Business With Et Ochs Collection |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/michelle-ochs-own-collection-et-ochs-1234907761/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}</ref> * Nominee for the 2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelle Ochs |url=https://fashionshow.fitnyc.edu/fof2024/articles/critics/michelle-ochs.html |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=fashionshow.fitnyc.edu |language=en}}</ref> * Named in Forbes 30 under 30.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Susan |title=30 Under 30: The Bright Young Stars Of Art And Style |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/12/17/30-under-30-the-bright-young-stars-of-art-and-style/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ochs, Michelle}} Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:People from Gaithersburg, Maryland Category:American fashion designers Category:American women costume designers Category:American costume designers Category:American people of Filipino descent Category:American chief executives of fashion industry companies Category:American businesspeople in fashion Category:Parsons School of Design alumni