Ashley Isham: Fashion Designer and TAPA Aloha Shirt Director
Hi, I’m Ashley Isham, a fashion designer born in Singapore but now based in the vibrant city of London. As far as I can remember, I have been passionate about beautiful clothes, and I make it my hallmark to create timeless, elegant designs with distinct Southeast Asian flair. It’s been quite a journey so far- filled with exciting challenges and amazing opportunities.
From Learning to Fashion
My journey began in 1996 when I made my way out of Singapore to make my dream of becoming a fashion designer come true. I enrolled in the pattern cutting course at the prestigious London College of Fashion that laid a very solid foundation for garment construction. Later on, I further perfected my skills through admission into Middlesex University, which enabled me to develop my unique design aesthetic.
My Path To Succes
In 2000, I decided to take a leap of faith and launched my own label. This pivotal step in my career allowed me to share my creative vision with the world. My collections soon graced the runways of London Fashion Week, where I made my official on-schedule debut in 2003, showcasing alongside fashion icons like Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood.
In 2004, I was honored to be the official BAFTA women’s wear stylist for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards. My designs also gained recognition in renowned fashion publications, including British Vogue, Elle, and In-Style.
A major highlight came in 2007 when I received the Berita Harian Achiever of the Year Award, solidifying my place in the fashion industry. This recognition paved the way for the opening of my boutiques in both London and Singapore, expanding my reach and influence.
Despite the evolving retail landscape, my passion for design has remained unwavering. In 2024, I embarked on a new journey with the founding of Tapa Aloha Shirt, merging the heritage of my native Singapore with Hawaii’s lively and colorful spirit. Taking on the role of technical director, I am eager to embrace this fresh chapter, pushing the creative envelope and exploring new design possibilities.
Tapa Aloha Shirt represents an exciting new venture. It is a unique store specializing in distinctive Aloha shirts for the entire family. Our approach sets us apart from traditional Hawaiian shirt companies, as we draw design inspiration from unexpected and diverse sources—from festivals and movies to sports, animals, and even universities.
My vision for Tapa Aloha Shirt is to lead the industry in Aloha shirt innovation and design technology. I aim to create apparel that not only looks remarkable but also empowers our customers to showcase their individuality and interests.
We strive to push the limits of design and fabric technology to deliver one-of-a-kind, high-quality shirts that people wear with pride. Ultimately, I envision Tapa Aloha Shirt as a clothing line that allows individuals to express themselves confidently and uniquely.
