About me!

Hello! I'm Arzelle, a passionate fashion designer, educator, and textile artist whose journey in the world of fashion and creativity started at the tender age of 4 with a Holly Hobbie sewing machine. This early exploration set the tone for a lifetime of creativity, sparking a passion that evolved into a 20-year career in the fashion industry.


By age 7, I had won my first national art competition, a formative experience that fueled my artistic ambitions. By grade 3, my path to a career in fashion was clear, a dream I pursued with precision by selecting schools and programs that aligned with my goals. Throughout my education, I engaged deeply with fiber art and photography, developing a broad set of creative skills that enhanced my understanding of aesthetics and design.

Make it

I studied fashion in-depth, earning a BTech degree that opened doors. At 19, I crafted my first bridal gown for a client, marking the beginning of a series of bespoke bridal and dancewear creations that would define much of my early career. During this time, I balanced my studies with real-world experience, launching my bespoke bridal and ballroom dancewear business. Additionally, I gained practical industry experience by working in a factory where I drafted and graded patterns for a local designer, further sharpening my technical skills.

In 2007, my career took a pivotal turn as I entered the realm of academia at the age of 23. I began as a junior lecturer at Fedisa, Africa's leading fashion school, quickly climbing the ranks to mentor future fashion leaders. My academic role was enriched by my practical experience, allowing me to guide students not just in design but in making a mark on the fashion world. My creations were seen at various race days and worn by celebrities, often making waves in newspapers and on magazine covers. I also organized various fashion shows and managed backstage operations.

Make it

My career took an international turn in 2012 when I moved to Singapore to lecture. This experience broadened my perspective, incorporating extensive travel that included fabric sourcing trips to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

It also deepened my interest in draping, textiles, and sustainable fashion practices, a focus during my tenure teaching BA degree students.

This period was marked by mentoring students who achieved recognition in competitions such as the Frankfurt Style Awards (Germany), Giulia Carla Cecchi International Prize (Italy), SDC International Design Competition (regional & UK), Sakura Collection (Singapore & Malaysia), and Japan Creative Centre (JCC) Sustainable Fashion Design Contest (Japan), and finalists in Harper's Bazaar Asia NewGen Fashion Award Singapore.

Make it stand out.

After decades of inspiring students and creating exquisite garments, I shifted my focus. I left full-time teaching in 2019 to focus on personal growth and creative projects. At the end of 2023, I launched Sew on & Sow Forth™ and an online beginners sewing membership and community called SEWsimple™ in August 2024. Here, I combine my extensive background in design and education to create a nurturing learning environment that emphasizes slow fashion and self-expression.

I focus on teaching foundational skills, building confidence, and fostering creativity through a structured and supportive membership program. My mission is to make sewing a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, combining slow fashion principles with a focus on self-expression and mindfulness. Join me in rediscovering the art of sewing as a powerful medium for personal and ecological well-being.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

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