OLA MUHANNA¶
KNOW MORE ABOUT ME!¶
Hi! I’m Ola, a fashion enthusiast based in Amman, Jordan. I am in love with cities and the metropolitan lifestyle. I feel alive in the chaos, melting into the city lights and street reflections. I love observing people from a third point of view—human interaction has always fascinated me.
Growing up, I was immersed in the beauty of Palestinian culture, the intricate tatreez and the Palestinian thoub. My mother owns many of these pieces, which fueled my appreciation for craftsmanship, color, and storytelling. Each motif has its own story, echoing our heritage and the lives of our ancestors. That’s how I first connected fashion with storytelling.
To me, it’s poetic how each tatreez motif—trees, flowers, animals, even straw baskets—is woven into these garments, creating what feels like a personal museum. Through this, we preserve our culture, wearing pieces of our land and history wherever we go. Fashion, for me, became more than just clothing; it became a form of resistance, a way to show love for our roots and craft an identity.
While Palestinian Tatreez faces significant shadow banning and cultural erasure, it’s incredibly difficult to find credible resources online. Most of the stories I know about our Palestinian Thoub have been passed down through oral tradition—shared by my mother, grandmother, and Palestinian refugees or artisans who continue to preserve and practice this beautiful craft.
That’s why I was overjoyed when I stumbled upon an article by The Met! It felt like a small victory to see such an important piece of our heritage being acknowledged by a renowned institution. This kind of recognition not only preserves our traditions but also ensures their stories are heard on a global stage.
Another incredible resource I’d recommend is the Tiraz Center in Amman, led by the amazing Widad Kawar. Their massive collection of Palestinian thoubs and books is a treasure trove of knowledge and history. It’s one of the best places to learn about and appreciate the richness of our cultural heritage.
Growing up with a larger body, I used to feel controlled by clothing. I saw it as a limitation, but eventually, I realized I hold power over it. Clothing became my companion—a way to express myself freely.
STORYTELLING¶
I’d like to call myself a storyteller. The child inside of me is always exploring new narratives, knowing that imagination has no limits. That makes limitations irrelevant. I consider myself a writer too—I used to write fiction as a form of expression, but after graduating from college, life got in the way, and I stopped. To my surprise, it was replaced with something more fulfilling: visual storytelling. I discovered the art of Creative Direction and Art Direction, where you can do and be whoever you want!
I started my career in fashion when I decided life was too short to spend in a place that wasn’t meant for me. As a larger woman, I’d always struggled to find clothing that truly represented me and made me feel comfortable. So, I took a random fashion design course, and instantly fell in love with it. I never looked back!
I was drawn to structure, power, and boldness, and when I designed my first collection, I was submerged in tailoring—especially tailored suits like the ones jazz musicians used to wear. And boy, I was jazzed! That’s when I realized: The Power Suit is my true calling.
As I began experimenting with design, I found myself attracted to clean edges, stripes, minimal-ish designs, and contrasts. It’s a tad ironic since my biggest inspiration is the chaotic city, which is a contrast in itself!
Ash Studio¶
Ash Studio was born from this journey. I didn’t have much experience when I founded it, but Ash Studio kept me going! It pushed me, tested me, and pulled me out of my comfort zone. visit Ash Studio's website, and follow us on Instagram!
Ash Studio, inspired by architecture and megacities, specializes in Power Dressing for women. As I mentioned, I always struggled to find attire that fit me right and made me feel comfortable. So, I created my own! I aim to stay true to sustainable practices, from small production runs to crafting high-quality garments that last a lifetime. Made by women, for women!
Design Style¶
Power dressing is my primary focus when designing. I either create a fully tailored garment or incorporate elements like padded shoulders to enhance the structured look. I strive to bring sharpness and definition to my designs, whether through silhouettes or embellishments.
I love working with pleats, and exploring fabric manipulation techniques such as tucks and plissé. I've also experimented with laser engraving on velvet and hand embroidery.
