INTERVIEW with Olga Blake-McKenzie || 2026 Designer for Fashique Runway
SD: Hi, Olga. Can you introduce yourself again to my readers who don’t know you yet?
OB: My name is Olga Blake-McKenzie, and I am the designer behind OLLYMACS. I create wearable art fashion that tells stories — stories of women, of memory, of transformation, and of identity. My work is not just about garments; it is about helping women reconnect with who they are, especially in stages of life where they may have forgotten their own voice. Every piece I design carries meaning, emotion, and a sense of timeless narrative.
SD: How and when did you get into fashion design?
OB: Fashion has always been part of my life, but I truly stepped into it with purpose later in life. My journey into design came from a deep inner calling — a moment of remembering who I was at my core. I began creating not just to make clothing, but to express stories that needed to be told. From that point, it became less about fashion trends and more about storytelling through design.
SD: What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in fashion design?
OB: I would tell her to trust herself sooner. To not wait for permission, validation, or approval from others. Your voice, your vision, and your way of seeing the world are enough. I would also remind her that the journey is not meant to be rushed — everything unfolds at the right time, and growth comes from experience, not perfection.
SD: What keeps you inspired?
OB: Women’s stories inspire me — especially the quiet, unspoken ones. I am inspired by resilience, by transformation, and by the strength that comes from rediscovering oneself. Nature also plays a strong role in my work — the ocean, forests, sky — all of these elements find their way into my designs. But ultimately, my inspiration comes from within — from a place of reflection, emotion, and truth.
SD: Explain your understanding of sustainable fashion practices and how you incorporate them into your design process.
OB: For me, sustainability is not a trend — it is a responsibility and a way of thinking. I design with intention and care, often working with recycled and repurposed materials wherever possible. I believe in creating pieces that are meaningful and lasting, rather than disposable. My approach is what I call “design as care” — caring for the environment, the materials, and the story behind each garment. It is about honouring what already exists and giving it new life.
SD: You’re showcasing your designs in Fashique Runway 2026 this year. What excites you most about this?
OB: What excites me most is the opportunity to share not just designs, but a message. This year, I will be presenting twelve pieces — six from Timelines in Threads, and six from my new collection Where Threads Remember. Together, these collections represent both reflection and evolution. Timelines in Threads honours the stories, memories, and identities that have shaped us, while Where Threads Remember moves into a deeper space of awareness — exploring women as protectors of self, of nature, and of future generations. Being able to bring both collections to the runway creates a powerful narrative journey. It allows the audience not only to see the designs, but to feel the transition — from remembering who we were, to consciously choosing who we are becoming. For me, that is what makes this moment so meaningful.
See Olga Blake-McKenzie in Fashique Runway
Fashique Runway:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashique_runway/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashiquerunway
Olga Blake-McKenzie’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollymac7591/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olga.blakemckenzie
Photo Credits:
First Photo: Models - Aurora Payne, Jessica Knight, Gloria Alpha Cisne and Savannah Halliwell wearing OLLYMACS - photo taken by Kiki Yang (AKP Photography)
Second Photo: Taken by Priyantha – Arana Graphics