The story behind
The Oakum
I'm Luisa, a designer, textile practitioner and educator with a passion for making, sharing skills and giving materials a new purpose.
Through The Oakum, I bring together creative practice, sustainable design and learning, creating handmade pieces and experiences that encourage people to explore their creativity.
Designing, making, sharing
The Oakum is my independent creative practice, where I design and produce small-batch garments, accessories and textile pieces using reclaimed and carefully sourced materials.
Whether I'm developing a new piece, teaching a sewing technique or bringing a group together around a shared project, my approach is rooted in curiosity, experimentation and the pleasure of making something with our hands.
Alongside making, I design and facilitate creative workshops, courses and community projects for individuals, organisations and businesses.
A creative journey
across disciplines
My background is in architecture and interior design, followed by more than two decades working across design, digital innovation and creative production.
As the founder of a multi-award-winning boutique creative agency, I led multidisciplinary teams in crafting memorable digital experiences for international brands, combining design, technology and storytelling to bring ambitious ideas to life.
Today, I bring that experience into my textile practice and teaching, combining creative thinking, practical skills and an inclusive, collaborative approach to learning.
From design to textiles
I've always been drawn to the relationship between people, materials and the spaces we inhabit.
My journey has taken me from studying architecture in Italy to working in creative industries in London, and eventually towards a more hands-on, material-led practice.
Textiles offered me a different way of exploring design: one that is tactile, experimental and deeply connected to everyday life.
What began as a personal creative exploration has grown into The Oakum, a practice that brings together my interests in design, sustainability, education and community.
Thoughtful making, meaningful connections
-
Finding creative possibilities in existing materials, reducing waste and encouraging more thoughtful ways of making.
-
Making creative learning welcoming and accessible, regardless of experience or background.
-
Exploring ideas, experimenting with techniques and embracing the unexpected discoveries that come through making.
-
Bringing people together through shared experiences, creativity and the exchange of knowledge.
Who I work with
Clients & commissioning partners
From collaborative projects and shared initiatives to voluntary contributions, these relationships reflect a commitment to creativity, sustainability and stronger communities.
Community partners & collaborations
Let's create something together
