Armando Ortiz has become one of Oklahoma’s most luminous talents in high fashion, whether it’s bridal wear, pageant couture or tailored looks for special occasions. Most of his bespoke creations never get credited online, but he is frequently booked out months in advance by a fiercely loyal clientele. Ortiz is at work almost every day turning his clients’ dreams into reality.
Kristen Grace: How did you get started in this industry?
Armando Ortiz: My mother sews. And some of her family members have sewn all their lives. In the late ’90s, I was working with a local theater, and they needed alterations in garments and costumes. That’s when I got started. Over the years, I worked in retail and cosmetics, so I had limited time for sewing. But in 2016, I decided to make a change. Friends who knew what I was capable of came over to my house and encouraged me to find my own space. From 2014 to 2024, I had a shop in the Paseo. Over the years, I have built a repeat client base. Now I’m a full-time designer; I create clothes and jewelry and I’m a painter. I use all three of those elements to create art for my clients. I can create graphic designs and print them onto fabrics.
I’ve been sewing since 1997, and in 2017 I started offering these services to everyone. And now I sew every day.
KG: Tell us more about the type of clothes that you create for your clients.
AO: I can create any type of garment, from undergarments to formal wear. I build everyday clothing for some of my clients—whether that be skirts, pants, a shirt or blouse. I also create special occasion clothing. I create designs for the client using my own patterns after a consultation where we talk about the look, pattern and the materials. I draw up the look and we go over every textile needed for the garment.
This summer, I have been in bridal season. Some brides want something simple and classic; others may want something unusual in pattern and material. I see all textiles the same, but you must know how to use them. That can be an interactive process for the client as well. Many of them are using Chat GPT, and they aren’t always coming in with accurate information. But I do love that they’re coming in with inspiration! I’m a very creative person, so I can usually bring us to a design that is similar or inspired by their dream.
KG: How do the seasons affect your business?
AO: I just finished pageant season, which is January through May. I create talent outfits, interview suits, evening gowns. Dresses for luncheons or brunch events. I have a lot of work for clients that are in bodybuilding competitions, as well. Fall and winter are costuming for Halloween, and then a lot of formal wear for the holidays.
KG: Do you have any employees? Have you thought about expanding your business?
AO: At this point, I love having full control of my business. Working alone allows me to guarantee 100% of what I do. But the downside is that I have to turn away customers. And at this point, it has all been word of mouth and a slight social media presence. But I am inspired by everything I see and everything I hear. I could look at a rock and find inspiration there.
Contact: The Creative Studio | @armandooriginals
