About Us
Meet the Founder of Orwya
Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to share the journey of Orwya, a brand that sprang from a blend of family inspiration and a commitment to inclusive fashion. Founded by myself and my elder sister, Orwya's story began shortly after I graduated from Parsons The New School for Design with a fashion degree. Inspired by the struggles our grandmother faced in finding stylish clothing suitable for her age, we saw a gap in the market for mature women's fashion.
Initially, our venture started with a single store opened in 2016 by my sister, which primarily sold apparel from other brands. However, it soon became clear that to truly make an impact, we needed to offer something unique. Thus, Orwya was born — aimed at creating a brand that delivered high fashion that is accessible, affordable, and most importantly, appealing to women of all ages.
We quickly set up our own production facilities, eliminating costly intermediaries, which allowed us to offer our pieces at lower prices without compromising on quality. Our brand's philosophy is to celebrate ageless beauty and to provide diverse fashion choices that empower women to feel confident and stylish at any age.
The response was phenomenal. Orwya's designs resonated with many, gaining a dedicated following. Our collections, which included everything from sophisticated workwear to comfortable loungewear, became renowned for their quality, style, and affordability. We prided ourselves on collaborating with emerging designers, bringing fresh and innovative styles to our line.
Despite our success, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. With physical store sales plummeting due to lockdowns and a massive build-up of inventory, we faced near bankruptcy. This crisis prompted a pivotal shift in our business model. Recognizing the changing retail landscape, we transitioned to an online-first approach, expanding our product offerings to include a broader range of apparel and tapping into a global market.
Today, Orwya is more than just a fashion brand. We are a symbol of resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. We remain committed to ethical production, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and workers' rights. Our production facilities follow strict ethical standards, and we continue to support eco-friendly practices by incorporating recycled materials into our products.
In addition to our commitment to fashion and sustainability, Orwya is dedicated to giving back to the community. We have contributed to local and global efforts to combat the impacts of COVID-19, supporting healthcare initiatives and aiding in economic recovery.
We're excited about what the future holds and invite you to explore our collections. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about our initiatives, please don't hesitate to contact us at service@orwya.com.
Join us in redefining fashion — where style meets substance, and every purchase supports a greater cause.