TheOCWear: The Sustainable Body Wear Brand
- Jasmine Melrose
- Aug 3, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 18, 2022
TheOCwear is bold, forward thinking, inclusive, and honestly, a breath of fresh air. The brand created by artist, performer, and dancer Ohad Caspi is the answer to sustainable body wear the dance and performance community has been waiting for.
TheOCwear is 100% handmade, made for, and inspired by dancers. Ohad, creator, designer, and craftsman, writes via TheOCwear website:
“we felt like, we know best what we would like to have in our clothing”.
Nothing says bespoke design quite like this.
TheOCwear takes into consideration, from experience, what materials, fabrics, cuts, and lines would serve wearers best. In regards to Ballet especially, the right body wear makes all the difference.
TheOCwear brings high quality, comfort, second skin-like fit, and sustainability together without sacrificing aesthetic, classic lines, or creativity.
The brand wants you to express yourself and embrace your personal style. In addition to the beautiful and unique designs featured on the website, handmade custom orders are also available. Ohad plays with colour blocking, playful patterns, while maintaining elegance and clean silhouettes.
“Say goodbye to wasting money on the latest fashion trends and wear clothes that reflect you”.
Now that’s a statement I think we can all get behind.
Beyond sustainability, Ohad credits his childhood passion as one of the reasons he finally took this step and launched his brand:
“Then of course my passion and love for dance, fabric, and making a line that reflects myself as an artist”, all of these elements together make TheOCwear brand truly unique.
Behind the Brand
Ohad Caspi, was born in Israel in 1995. He studied ballet in Tel Aviv and started working in different dance companies in Europe after his graduation. He has worked with the State Theater Darmstadt , Ballet Linz , Theater Osnabrück, and in September 2021, he began a new engagement with Marguerite Donlon in her new ballet company in Germany.
Ohad always had a passion for fabric and sewing, his Italian grandmother was a fashion designer and from a very young age he used to take her leftover fabric and sew costumes to dress his sister’s Barbie Dolls. His grandma taught him the art of pattern making and machine sewing.
Almost two years ago now, when COVID 19 arrived, he managed to finish his diploma studies as a Graphic Designer and as a UX UI Designer in Tel Aviv, Israel and immediately started to create his own brand and online platform.
The brand was born out of a need to find the in-between. These days its hard to know where your clothes are really coming from, and the fight to purchase from eco friendly brands is not always easy.
Another problem often encountered is the price that comes with buying organic and from brands that choose sustainability. Ohad says “There seems to be nothing in-between. You either know that you are contributing to the fast fashion industry, global warming, and most likely, child labour or you are paying for super expensive stuff. It seems that affordability and sustainability do not go hand in hand. You always have to choose. I like the idea of bringing a product that is sustainably made but still accessible for people. That is so important for me”.
When it comes to fast fashion, companies and brands are often caught cutting corners and using unethical methods to produce their clothing. Ohad and TheOCwear are doing things differently.
It gives us hope that the younger generation will be more proactive in the fight for the planet.
“The fast fashion industry leaves behind a huge environmental footprint. From the landfill impact, to power and water consumption, to the pesticides and insecticides used to grow cotton, the chemicals that are making their way into the water supply and affecting the health of those in the supply chain, it’s safe to say that fast fashion is a real problem for the environment."
"In choosing sustainable fashion you can say no to supporting the negative environmental impact that the fashion industry is causing, and in-turn, reduce your own ecological foot print.”
With Design In Mind
Ohad says; “we were looking for something new that will remain elegant and chic. Still relying on some vintage lines and elements, I wanted to bring a new era, concept and approach to the world of material and textile. And I think multi functionality in the world nowadays is more than essential."
He continues; "Therefore, I tried to create a product you could see yourself walking on the beach with or enjoying in the water. Then right after putting on a nice pair of jeans, you could walk into the city (as shape wear) enjoying the support it gives to your curves or simply pop into a ballet/other dance class and feel ready to go with an incredible sweat proof material.”
TheOCwear uses only vegan fabrics, in versatile styles and cuts. Buying less is always best when trying to conserve the planet and create less waste. And when the body wear is of the highest quality, you won’t need to replace it anytime soon.
Through the creation of long lasting construction and tailoring that are in line with current trends and those that will always remain classic, Ohad practices what he preaches.
His goal in terms of sustainability is “to move away from the fast fashion era”, which, knowing the damages of the fast fashion industries, is crucial for the survival of the planet.
Trust and Transparency
TheOCwear maintains absolute transparency and trust at the creation forefront. For more information about the packaging, shipping methods, sustainability of fabrics and materials, visit TheOCwear website: https://theocwear.com/
You can order direct from the website, or be sure to check out TheOCwear on Instagram to DM regarding a custom order: https://www.instagram.com/theocwear/
The Future of the Brand
Now for an important question that needs to be addressed when it comes to sustainability: what does the future of the brand look like?
The brand's 100% RECYCLED Polyester Badge:
Ohad says “the next steps for the brand is one, to continue to grow our online shop, I love making ready to wear and accessible clothing for everyone that is available worldwide!"
"From dance wear to swimwear, sportswear, and in general, ready to wear, sustainable fashion pieces. I’m even working on creating a new fabric with a manufacturer in Brazil that creates fabrics not just from recycled materials but also from recycled energy.”
“Meanwhile I am using this platform to share my ideas and thoughts, to bring up themes and issues like global warming, establishing LGBTQIA+ rights, and the Black Lives Matter Movement to the forefront.”
Don't forget to check out Ohad's Surrender To Pleasure dance movie, inspired and dedicated to global warming.
Ohad created the techno soundtrack by using recordings of breaking icebergs, the production was made only with natural elements or reused materials.
To watch the dance movie Surrender to Please, click on the video below!
More on Ohad
Ohad was also involved in the production of an intensive project with the Museum for Modern Art in Basel, Switzerland.
“We are creating a dance piece there, choreographed by Jorge Garcia Perez and collaborating with artist Kara Walker from New-York that will be featuring her latest work, made for the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art, NY) that was inspired by Afro-American Culture."
“We are creating a show with her art, the choreography and my costumes, which was presented in the museum on the 10th of June, 2021”
To see this collaboration and find out more about Kara Walker, click here!
What's New?
'Nudes for Winter' is TheOCwear's newest tattoo inspired collaboration. The collection features abstract, yet streamline cuts, low backs, and long sleeves.
The body wear collection was made in collaboration with Ambre Twardowski and was hand painted by the artist and dancer of Theater Osnabrück. For an exclusive discount on the 'Nudes for Winter' collection, for readers of DECO, click on the link below. This discount will only be available for 2 weeks so make sure you act fast and show your support for local and small businesses.
By clicking the code, the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.
Want the latest on TheOCwear?
Follow on Instagram @theOCwear
And check out TheOCwear online:
Jasmine Melrose
Director & Founder of DECO the Blog
Jasmine Melrose is a Toronto native living in Amsterdam. Once a professional dancer, her passions include movement, fitness, yoga, healing, and all things vegan. Jasmine is a 500-hour trained yoga teacher, who loves to get you deeper into your practice. She is also a certified barre teacher who loves making raw vegan, guilt-free and good-for-you treats. Check out her recipes and articles on everything from fitness to yoga, to notes on a journey towards healing.
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