Ou Ma: Canada’s Newest Name in Bridal Couture 馬歐：加拿大高級訂製婚紗界的一顆新星

Written by 撰文：Ou Ma • Translated by: The Fête Chinoise Team
Photography: Carissa Marie Photography, Liz Rosa Photography, Nadia Hung Photography
As Featured in The Art of Celebration Annual Edition No.2

Brimming with talent, Vancouver-based fashion designer Ou Ma is making waves on the West Coast with her exquisitely tailored creations. Intrinsically artistic and vividly expressive, Ou Ma is the Beijing-born, Fashion Institute of Technology-educated, couture-trained, passionate force at OUMA.

The tactile and artistic mediums of illustration and painting found Ma at an early age while growing up in Beijing. This innate talent inspired her to shift from the canvas to physical expression, where movement, intent, and emotion can come to life in the space between fabric, form, culture, and the human experience to create something of deep emotional resonance. Moving from Beijing to New York City, Ma graduated summa cum laude at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where her burgeoning talent was fostered and vividly flourished.

As a newly minted FIT graduate, Ma cut her teeth with the prestigious design team at Calvin Klein Made-to-Measure Atelier and, later, worked alongside the revered Mr. Ralph Lauren while on the design team at Ralph Lauren Women’s Collection. Consistently celebrated and creatively influential, Ma is quickly changing the couture bridal space through her work in defining new romance through her adaption of the cliché into the avant-garde — a breath of fresh air in the Canadian fashion landscapeMa’s aesthetic is a myriad of perspectives cultivated by her cultural influence from her Chinese heritage, ignited by her years spent designing in the metropolitan city of New York, and influenced by an empathetic desire to help women find their own inner confidence, ultimately expressing and emoting their unique reason for being — making visible that which is not yet seen.

OUMA 藝術總監暨設計師馬歐出生於北京、畢業於紐約時裝學院（FIT），是一位專注於設計獨一無二婚紗的設計師。如同她的作品風格，馬歐對藝術的熱愛深植於心。

美感的養成

馬歐成長於北京，自小便對繪畫、油畫等講究觀察力與創造力的手工藝術深感著迷。這份自然流露的藝術傾向，最終引領她將創意從畫布轉向人體，在布料、形態、文化與人類經驗的交匯之間，展現自我，創作出富有情感連結的設計作品。

深受中國傳統文化薰陶，馬歐擅長以精緻的手工技藝，詮釋中式美學中的含蓄與優雅，並將之轉化為當代時尚語言。她在細節中呈現細膩美感，在層次中探索深度，讓每一件作品既承載個人生命歷練，又融合東西方藝術與時尚文化的影響。

她的作品巧妙融合東方與西方的美學。在我們的訪談中，馬歐分享了她的文化背景如何影響她對現代婚禮與慶典服飾的創作理念。

Being a Canadian brand, and situated in beautiful British Columbia surrounded by the grandeur of nature, sustainability has always played a major part in OUMA's designs. 

With over 16 years spent designing, Ma has dressed celebrities from the likes of Anne Hathaway, Christy Turlington, and Kate Winslet, as well as Canadian television personality Lainey Lui for the 2025 Academy Awards coverage, and has received major accolades in Vogue Italia, WWD, and NYMag.com. Her designs have been showcased at New York Fashion Week.

Ma’s work beautifully blends East and West. We asked the designer to share how her Chinese heritage has influenced her design approach, especially when designing for modern weddings and celebrations. 

Growing up in Beijing, Ma was surrounded by craftsmanship, symbolism, and a deep appreciation for artistry. “My grandmother, who raised me, was incredibly skilled with her hands — sewing, quilting, cooking — and always carried herself with grace and strength. That presence of quiet resilience and elegance continues to inform my work.” 

馬歐自幼便深受工藝精神、象徵意涵與藝術美感的薰陶。撫養她長大的外婆，手藝非常靈巧，不論是縫紉、拼布還是烹飪，樣樣精通，舉止間總帶著一份內斂的優雅與堅韌。這份氣質至今仍深深影響著她的創作。

在中國文化中，服裝總是蘊含多重意義——從色彩到剪裁，每一處細節皆寓意深遠。馬歐在每件設計中都注入這種細膩的文化感知，尤其喜歡將富含詩意與象徵的細節，與西方設計中常見的簡約與流動感結合，使婚紗設計既擁有永恆的美感，也根植於深厚的文化中——傳統不再是束縛，而是昇華現代新娘自我表達的力量。

她希望能在致敬傳統的同時，跳出既有框架；創作出嶄新而有靈魂、有深意的作品。作為新一代最具創造力的婚紗設計師之一，馬歐正透過她的創作，為經典婚紗輪廓注入當代嶄新的靈魂。

Ma shares that in Chinese culture, clothing has always had layers of meaning — from the colours to the silhouettes. She intrinsically brings that sensibility into every piece she designs. “I love merging those poetic, symbolic details with the minimalism and fluidity often found in Western design. For modern weddings, this fusion allows me to create dresses that feel both timeless and rooted in something deeper — where tradition doesn’t overpower, but rather elevates the contemporary bride’s expression.” Through her work, she honours heritage without being bound by it, so that she can create something new that feels soulful and intentional.

With an impressive foundation in couture, with experience at major fashion houses in New York, those early experiences shaped Ma’s creative voice, and continue to influence her work today. At Calvin Klein’s Made-to-Measure Atelier and later at Ralph Lauren Women’s Collection, Ma was immersed in environments where precision, storytelling, and craftsmanship were everything. “I learned how to slow down and really listen to the fabric — how it moves, how it drapes, how it speaks.” 

“Those experiences trained my eye for detail and gave me a deep respect for construction and fit. But beyond technique, they also taught me how powerful clothing can be when it reflects a point of view. Working under such visionary leadership, I began to understand how to shape my own voice — one rooted in softness, strength, and subtle narrative.” 

時尚歷練：紐約頂尖品牌的磨練與啟發

在創立個人品牌前，馬歐已累積逾十六年高級時裝經驗。她曾加入 Calvin Klein 的高級訂製設計團隊，後於 Ralph Lauren 擔任女裝設計師，與 Ralph Lauren 本人共事。她為 Anne Hathaway、Christy Turlington 和 Kate Winslet 等名人設計服裝，作品多次登上 Vogue Italia、WWD 與 NYMag.com 等權威媒體，並於紐約時裝週多次亮相，廣受業界與媒體好評。

在這些極度講究精準、敘事與工藝的環境中，她學會放慢節奏、真正去「聆聽」布料：感受它如何流動、垂墜，甚至如何「說話」。這不僅磨練了她對細節的敏銳觀察，更培養了她對服裝結構與剪裁的尊重。更重要的是，這些經驗讓她理解到：當服裝能夠傳遞一種觀點或態度時，其蘊含的力量極為強大。在極具遠見的領袖身邊工作，也讓她逐步學會如何形塑屬於自己的創作語言——一種來自柔軟、力量與細膩敘事的語彙。

AERIS: Empire waisted crepe gown with pleated tulle bodice, flounced shoulder details, and bias cut voluminous skirt.

紮實的高級訂製時裝基礎，加上在紐約多家知名時尚品牌的歷練，塑造了馬歐獨特的創作語彙，並持續啟發著她今日的設計風格。無論是剪裁一條斜裁裙，還是構築一個袖型，背後始終承載著細膩的用心與低調的奢華，助她在傳統工藝與當代表現之間找到連結。這正是 OUMA 的核心精神。

“That couture foundation still informs every collection I create. Whether it’s how I cut a bias skirt or how I construct a sleeve, there’s always a level of intention and quiet luxury that comes from that background. It's helped me bridge old-world artistry with a modern sensibility.”

We asked Ou Ma what she feels is the biggest misconception about Chinese fashion or traditional wedding attire and how to challenge it. “It does not need to be red, ornate, and heavily embroidered with gold. While those elements are certainly part of the cultural heritage and have beautiful symbolism, they don’t represent the full scope or potential of Chinese-inspired design.” 

In my Kin collection, I wanted to honor tradition while reinterpreting it through a more modern, poetic lens. For example, I designed the Qipao in soft blush and taupe — colors that feel more serene and contemporary, yet still deeply elegant. I also focused on lighter fabrics and subtle details to let the silhouette speak for itself. 

Merging tradition with modernism, The Reminisce is a traditional ankle length qipao/cheongsam with delicate beading in a pale pink lace colour.

從紐約到溫哥華，從心出發

馬歐人生中的關鍵轉捩點，是從紐約搬到溫哥華。那之前，她已在時尚產業的高速節奏中打拼多年——但正是在離開那樣的環境後，她才真正找回清晰的方向，開始建立自己的品牌。

在溫哥華創立 OUMA，對她而言既是一場重新出發的蛻變，也是一種回歸初心。她從為知名品牌設計，轉向由心出發的創作：與每位新娘對話，聆聽她們的故事，並將情感轉化為服裝。這個過程讓馬歐重新找回當初熱愛設計的原因。

這樣的轉變，讓馬歐得以探索的不只是美感，更是設計背後的意義。這份探索，至今持續引領著她的創作之路。

Bold and cute, the KEIRA dress features a form-fitted mini length, with handmade 3D flowers decorated, and a detachable oversized bow at the back.

Ma seeks to challenge the idea that tradition has to look a certain way. As her work demonstrates, there is  so much beauty in restraint, and Ma believes Chinese designs can be just as minimal, refined, and emotionally resonant — while still honouring heritage.

“As a designer who was born in Beijing, trained in New York, and now creates in Vancouver, I bring a layered perspective that’s both global and personal. What makes my work stand out within the Canadian landscape is this quiet balance between cultural storytelling and refined craftsmanship — something I think resonates deeply with brides looking for emotional connection as well as timeless beauty.” 

Canada’s fashion scene is evolving in such an exciting way. There’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, individuality, and cross-cultural voices, which Ma believes makes Canadian fashion incredibly relevant on the global stage right now. “Through OUMA, I hope to contribute to this momentum by offering bridalwear that feels both deeply considered and emotionally nuanced — something that reflects not just where we are, but who we are becoming.”

傳統的當代演繹

馬歐認為，大眾對中式時尚，尤其是傳統婚禮服飾，最大的誤解是它必須是紅色的、華麗的，並且要有大量金色刺繡。這些元素雖具文化傳承的意義，但並不能代表中式設計的全部面貌與潛力。

在 Kin 系列中，她希望在致敬傳統的同時，從更現代且富有詩意的視角重新詮釋。她將旗袍設計成柔和的粉膚色與灰褐色等靜謐色調，既現代又優雅。搭配輕盈的面料與細膩處理，讓剪裁與輪廓成為作品的焦點。

馬歐希望挑戰「傳統必須是某種樣貌」的觀念。內斂之美深刻動人，她相信中式設計同樣可以極簡、洗鍊且充滿情感，同時忠於其文化根源。

One of the most pivotal turning points in Ma’s journey was moving from New York to  Vancouver. “I had spent years immersed in the fast-paced world of fashion,but it wasn’t until I stepped away from that environment that I found the clarity to build something of my own.” 

“Starting OUMA in Vancouver felt like both a reinvention and a return to my roots. I went from creating for established brands to designing from a deeply personal place — working with brides, listening to their stories, and translating emotion into form. It reminded me why I fell in love with design in the first place. That shift gave me the freedom to explore not only beauty, but meaning — and that’s what continues to guide my work today.” 

It’s been really exciting to see more Asian and Chinese-Canadian couples leaning into personal storytelling and cultural fusion when it comes to their wedding wardrobe. There’s a growing confidence in embracing heritage, but with a modern and minimal lens. For example, I’m seeing brides move away from the traditional red and gold Qipao, and instead opt for softer tones like blush, ivory, or taupe — colors that still hold meaning but feel more in line with their personal style. 

Noa: Fit and flare crepe gown with asymmetrical shoulder straps and crystal see-through back.

新世代美學

近年來，越來越多亞裔與華裔加拿大新人開始在婚禮服飾中展現個人故事與文化融合，這是一個令人振奮的趨勢。他們愈發自信地擁抱文化根源，並以現代、極簡的美學重新詮釋傳統元素。許多新娘不再拘泥於傳統的紅色或金色旗袍，轉而選擇粉膚、象牙白或灰褐色等柔和色調，既保留象徵意涵，也更貼近個人風格。

許多新人希望找到既傳統又輕盈、自在且獨具個性的設計。同時，也有越來越多人追求服裝的多功能性；既保有儀式感，又能在婚禮後重複穿著或變化造型。馬歐認為，這樣的趨勢非常有意義。它體現了這一代人既為自己的文化感到驕傲，同時也勇於以嶄新、真誠的方式，書寫屬於自己的故事。

There’s also a shift toward versatility — dresses that feel ceremonial but can be re-worn or transformed. Many couples are looking for pieces that balance tradition with a sense of ease, lightness, and individuality. I think that’s such a meaningful evolution, because it reflects a generation who are proud of where they come from, but are also writing their own stories in a fresh, authentic way.

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important focus in the fashion industry, Ma shared how it has influenced her design process and the steps she is taking as a brand to move in this direction. Sustainability has always been an important consideration for me — not just as a trend, but as a long-term mindset. As a brand that works with made-to-order and small batch production, we already avoid the waste and overproduction typical in mass manufacturing. But we’ve been pushing even further: recently we launched OUMA Essence, a sustainable line of zero-waste accessories created from leftover fabric scraps in our studio. It’s a creative challenge I’ve really embraced — turning what would have been discarded into something beautiful and meaningful. 

永續設計

對馬歐而言，永續並非一時的潮流，而是一種長遠的思維方式。

作為來自加拿大的婚紗品牌，OUMA自創立一來一直致力推動永續與環保理念，採用按需製作與小批量生產的模式，減少浪費及過度生產。品牌最近推出了以工作室剩餘布料製作而成的零浪費配件系列 OUMA Essence，這對馬歐來說是一項充滿挑戰的創意實驗，將本可能被丟棄的材料轉化為兼具美感與意義的作品。

此外，馬歐與團隊還將推出全新膠囊系列——以婚紗製作過程中剩餘的布料再製而成的女用手袋，延續設計與環保共存的信念。

從選用高品質、耐久的面料，到創作經得起時間考驗、而非追逐潮流的設計，馬歐希望打造的服裝不僅外表動人，更能讓新娘因這份永續的選擇而感到安心與自豪。

“My design choices are also rooted in sustainability. From using high-quality, long lasting materials to creating pieces that are timeless rather than trend-driven, yielding garments that brides can feel good about wearing “— not just aesthetically, but ethically too.”

If Ma could design a look that symbolized the future of Chinese celebration fashion, what would it look like and what message would it convey? The designer imagines a harmonious blend of tradition and quiet modernity — a silhouette rooted in elegance, but softened with fluidity and movement. I imagine a high Mandarin collar paired with a bias-cut skirt, perhaps in a weightless silk or satin, dyed in soft neutrals like pearl, tea rose, or ink. Subtle hand embroidery might echo traditional motifs, but abstracted — like a whisper of heritage rather than a declaration. 

The message would be one of cultural confidence: that you don’t need to wear loud  symbolism to honor your identity. It’s about rewriting the narrative — embracing history while allowing space for individuality, softness, and self-expression. It would celebrate not only where we’ve come from, but who we are becoming.

Fun and flowy, the LUNE is the floral version of the Luna dress. With free flow strips on the dress,

想像未來

作為一位在北京出生、在紐約受訓、現於溫哥華創作的設計師，馬歐的視角融合了全球視野與個人情感。她的作品能在加拿大設計圈中脫穎而出，正因為它在文化敘事與精緻工藝之間取得一種內斂而有力的平衡。馬歐相信，這份特質能打動那些尋求情感連結與永恆美感的新娘。

加拿大時尚圈正以令人振奮的姿態持續發展。設計師們日益重視永續、個人風格及多元文化聲音，讓加拿大時尚在全球舞台的影響力不斷提升。透過 OUMA，馬歐希望能為這股浪潮注入力量，打造既深思熟慮又富有情感層次的婚禮服飾，既映照我們的根源，也展現我們共同邁向的未來。

若要設計一套象徵中式慶典未來時尚的造型，馬歐想像它將和諧呈現傳統與內斂之美——在優雅的剪裁中，流露輕盈律動與流動感。她想像那是一件高立領上衣，搭配斜裁長裙，選用絲綢或緞面等輕薄如絲的材質，色調則選擇溫柔中性的珍珠白、茶玫瑰或墨色。手工刺繡點綴其間，呼應傳統圖案，但以抽象手法呈現，如同低語般內斂，而非張揚的宣示。

在馬歐心中，這套造型傳遞的是一份來自內心的文化自信：身份的表達，無需依賴強烈的象徵語言。它關乎重新書寫屬於我們這一代的敘事——在擁抱歷史的同時，也為柔軟、獨立與真實的自我保留空間。這不僅是對過去的致敬，更是對未來的展望與慶祝。

GABRIELLE: Fit and flare blush lace wedding dress with center slit. Paired with detachable off-shoulder sleeves or high-low detachable overskirt. 

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