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ELLA DOUGLAS x OXFORD FASHION STUDIO

“I am incredibly grateful to Oxford Fashion Studio and The Store for this amazing opportunity to bring my vision to life in my hometown — it’s a dream come true and an honour to showcase my work in such a meaningful space.” – Ella Douglas

THE DESIGNER

Ella Douglas is an Oxford-born, London-based fashion designer celebrated for her bold and unapologetic designs that explore queer identities, subcultures, and unconventional aesthetics. Her creative journey took root during her time at Cheney School in Oxford, where she discovered her passion for design. This was followed by two formative years at City of Oxford College, where she studied fashion and embraced creative freedom to develop her skills.

 

A recent first-class graduate of Central Saint Martins with a degree in Fashion Design with Marketing, Ella completed a four-year program that included an industry placement. Her graduate collection captivated the fashion world, shedding light on the underrepresented world of queer truck drivers. The collection, featuring 17,000 hand-applied spikes and industrial-inspired textiles, earned accolades from British Vogue, Dazed, and WWD and saw her designs worn by clients such as Björk. Now launching her brand, Ella balances crafting custom pieces for celebrities with preparing for the launch of an online store, where her signature trucker hats will take center stage.

THE COLLECTION

My collection is inspired by queer truck drivers and the extravagant aesthetics of the trucking industry. I wrote my dissertation on the transgender truck driving community in America, a topic that intrigued me because of the traditionally heteronormative nature of truck driving. Through my research, I discovered the significance of truck driving for themes of fluidity, freedom, and motion, which provided an interesting foundation for my collection. I also observed a unique overlap between lesbian aesthetics and those of truck driving, a concept that I found original and personally resonant as I delved into this new culture.

 

This concept has become my passion, particularly the fabrics and ornamental decorations of trucks. I am fascinated by the excessive elements, from decorative wheel spikes to oversized exhaust pipes. One of my garments features over 17,000 hand-applied spikes, reflecting the exaggerated truck driving aesthetics. My textiles draw inspiration from truck mechanisms, such as wheel bolts and tartan truck curtains. Last summer, I attended Europe’s largest trucking festival, an extensive event showcasing numerous trucks. This experience greatly benefited my research, allowing me to explore the trucks, interact with truckers, and witness their enthusiasm. It reminded me that trucks serve as both workspace and home, offering valuable insights into this unique culture.

FROM THE DESIGNER

“What makes this opportunity even more special is that it’s in my hometown of Oxford, specifically in the former Boswells department store, a place filled with cherished memories of Christmas shopping with my grandma. The significance of this location is deeply personal and meaningful. I moved away from Oxford believing that the town’s fashion scene did not offer the opportunities I needed. So, to see such an inspiring, forward-thinking fashion project take place in my own Oxford, housed in a beautiful building that my family can admire whenever they visit, is truly monumental.” – Ella Douglas