Today we’d like to introduce you to Arné Oyewo.
Hi Arné, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love for fashion started early — as a toddler playing dress-up in my mama’s closet and binge-watching shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. At 13, while spending the summer at my Grandaddy’s house, I attempted to sew for the first time. I grabbed a white bedsheet from the basement and tried to hand-stitch a dress but It turned out ugly, and I felt defeated. For a while, I believed fashion design just wasn’t meant for me.
At 19, I dropped out of college where I was majoring in English. I was uninspired, and something just didn’t feel right. After months of soul-searching, I toured Wade College, originally interested in graphic design. But everything shifted when I wandered into their sewing room — it was love at first sight. I went home and began sketching almost daily, even doodling on receipt paper at work. I finally felt hopeful again — like I had found my passion.
In 2017, I moved to Austin, Texas, and bought a $50 sewing machine off eBay. I taught myself how to sew using only the manual that came with it. Three months later, I hosted my first fashion show, thanks to my job at Creative Action, which let me use their beautiful space. From there, it was all trial and error — posting my work on social media and YouTube, building a following, and slowly growing my clientele.
By 2020, I knew I was ready. I quit my job during the pandemic to pursue fashion full-time. Five years later, here I am — still creating, still evolving. Moving by faith, me and God.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This journey hasn’t been easy. As a self-taught designer, that’s been one of my biggest challenges. Not having formal training or a fashion degree has, at times, shaken my confidence. Fashion school was simply out of reach financially. Everything I know about sewing and design came from trial and error — a lot of mistakes, a little bit of YouTube, and a whole lot of persistence.
I’ve never had a mentor. Even when I tried to take one-on-one classes, something always seemed to fall through. Looking back, I truly believe that was God’s doing — because He wanted all the glory. He’s been teaching me Himself. So when I finally make it, I can honestly say: It was all God. I haven’t had help developing my craft. It’s just been me and Him, locked in since day one. I’ve had to pray through confusion, through creative blocks, and through the moments where I didn’t know how to move forward.
Some of my hardest lessons? Learning how to price myself fairly. Knowing when to say no and not take on too much — because I’m only one person. Realizing that all money isn’t good money. And above all, learning patience and endurance.
This business has its ups and downs. Things fluctuate. And when it gets quiet, you have to stay grounded, adapt, and not take it personally. Every season has a purpose — even the slow ones.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m an artist — but fashion design is my thing. I specialize in Chic-Street Couture, a unique blend of the styles I love and express both in my work and in my personal wardrobe. When I get dressed, I put it on — it’s a statement, not just an outfit.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve positioned both myself and my brand to grow into a household name. No matter the obstacles, I’ve kept moving forward. I’ve become known for having a distinct style — I approach things in a way that’s uniquely mine.
I’m also incredibly proud of the community I’m building. I call my clients #ArnésAngels — and I love them deeply! My favorites are always the ones who trust my vision completely and let me take full creative control. Theyre literally heaven sent. My favorite saying this year? “Arné keeps the girls flyer than a Jet2 holiday.” Lol!
What truly sets me apart is my ability to create something out of nothing. Improvisation is one of my greatest gifts, and it shows in everything I do. That resourcefulness, that vision — it’s what defines my work.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the fashion industry is finally beginning to embrace the true underdogs. Authenticity is starting to matter more than clout and popularity — and that shift is long overdue.
Real creativity and originality often comes from visionaries who are overlooked. The ones facing eviction, struggling just to get by, yet still choosing to spend their last few dollars on fabric or art supplies to bring their next masterpiece to life. That’s where the soul of fashion lives — not in the boardrooms of billion-dollar brands.
Too often, major labels steal ideas from independent designers. But I’m hopeful that in the coming years, we’ll see stronger protections and laws for creatives and more recognition for the ones doing the real work. The future belongs to the authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arneatelier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arneatelier
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@arnethedesigner
- Other: https://www.linktr.ee/arneatelier
Image Credits
Arné Oyewo, ARNÉ LLC ; Arné Shot It ; Shaye Manning ; Jamal Webster ; YouTube
