Michelle Ochs

Michelle Ochs
Born	Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Occupation(s)	Fashion designer, Creative Director
Years active	2007–present
Known for	Co-founder of Cushnie et Ochs; founder of ET OCHS; Creative Director at Hervé Léger

Michelle Ochs is a prominent American fashion designer and Creative Director, recognized for co-founding Cushnie et Ochs, launching Et Ochs in 2021, and taking on the role of Creative Director at Hervé Léger since 2023. She is celebrated for her refined design approach and striking silhouettes.

Her achievements include winning the 2009 Ecco Domani Award, being a finalist in the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, receiving a nomination for the 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear, earning the 2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, being featured in Forbes 30 under 30, and securing several nominations for the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.

Since joining the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2012, Ochs has maintained a significant presence within the fashion community through her innovative design work and leadership. In 2021, she established ET OCHS, further solidifying her role as a creative entrepreneur.

Early life and education

Raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland after being born in Calgary, Alberta, Ochs attended a military high school in Washington, DC. She pursued her fashion education at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fashion Design and was honored with the Designer of the Year award in 2007. With German and Filipino roots, she gained valuable experience interning with distinguished designers such as Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, and Chado Ralph Rucci, focusing on couture techniques.

Career

In 2008, Ochs co-established the label Cushnie et Ochs alongside her business partner, unveiling their first Spring 2009 collection exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. As Creative Director, she crafted the brand’s elegant style that highlighted contemporary femininity and meticulous detailing. The label earned widespread recognition by dressing high-profile figures including Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Karlie Kloss, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Reese Witherspoon, and Diane Kruger. A pivotal moment was designing for Michelle Obama in 2012, which significantly boosted the brand’s visibility.

Ochs exited Cushnie et Ochs in 2018. She then reintroduced her own label, ET OCHS, in partnership with JS Group—a Canadian family-owned company overseeing various womenswear brands—in 2021. The Spring 2022 collection from ET OCHS debuted at New York Fashion Week.

In 2023, she assumed the position of Creative Director at Hervé Léger to lead the brand’s revival. Her Spring 2024 collection brought new depth and movement to the signature bandage dress while incorporating additional pieces such as pants and jumpsuits. By drawing inspiration from Hervé Léger’s archives, she modernized classic styles and expanded the brand’s range beyond its iconic silhouette.

Style and inspiration

Ochs's design approach is characterized by clean, streamlined shapes and expert use of tailoring combined with stretch materials. Her collections incorporate forward-thinking details, merging elegance, intellect, and allure to make dressing effortless while preserving distinctiveness.

Awards and recognition

• Awarded PARSONS Designer of the Year in 2007.
• Recipient of the 2009 Ecco Domani Award.
• Selected as a finalist for the 2011 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
• Honored as a nominee for the 2012 CFDA Swarovski Award for Womenswear.
• Recognized as a nominee for the 2010 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award.
• Included in Forbes 30 under 30 list.