Oh.Irv: Bandung-based brand gaining popularity with cat motifs

JAKARTA — Bandung-based brand Oh.Irv stands out with a range of colourful clothing and accessories dominated by cat motifs. Its presence adds a unique flavour to the local fashion market, which seeks out quirky and eccentric products. Founded by designer and illustrator Irva, the brand’s existence began accidentally. Behind its success in offering lifestyle products, she admits starting the business from scratch due to financial pressures in the past. ‘After graduating, my allowance was cut off. I had to figure things out, but I didn’t intend to start a brand then,’ Irva said during a private opening event at brightspotCITY in Agora Mall, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. The decision was made hastily as freelance illustration required no initial capital for a fresh graduate. ‘At that time, I only did illustration commissions, which required zero investment. I could earn money from it,’ she added. Feeling that showcasing two-dimensional illustrations wasn’t enough, she decided to design a transparent plastic bag, which was trendy among youth. ‘I made that plastic bag. Unexpectedly, the response was positive,’ Irva said. The success of the first plastic bag sales prompted her to gradually expand into clothing products from 2019. Her education in fashion and love for visual arts mean every Oh.Irv piece features original artwork. The inspiration for using cats as the main motif on all products, including the logo, came organically from her personal life.