A Bar with Shapes for a Name
Alan Thomas is a London-based textile designer and the founder of Oullar, a studio dedicated to creating sustainable, handcrafted homeware. Originally from Poland, Alan studied fashion design before earning a Master’s degree in Applied Imagination in the Creative Industries from Central Saint Martins. With a background in retail design, he explored the intersection of creativity and functionality before discovering tufting during the lockdown, which inspired him to establish Oullar in 2023. Alan combines simplicity, craftsmanship, and sustainability to create home textiles that add warmth, style, and a personal touch to living spaces, all while embracing a modern, playful aesthetic and a commitment to ethical practices.
My discipline is textile design, and I first encountered it while studying fashion design. I’ve always been fascinated by textiles and how materials can be transformed into something both beautiful and functional. Fashion school gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into that passion, and from there, I began experimenting with different fabrics and techniques, discovering new ways to express my creativity.
I think my journey to becoming an artist started in my early years. When I was a kid, my grandma was a seamstress, and I loved watching her sew. That’s where my fascination with textiles began. Later, I went on to study fashion, which allowed me to develop my skills and understanding of design. As my professional career progressed, I worked in retail design, which was exciting, but I felt like something was missing—the hands-on creative process. During the lockdown, I discovered tufting, and that’s when I found the artistic element I had been craving. From there, I launched Oullar and began experimenting with different textiles, creating more products and fully embracing this hands-on approach to design.
I draw inspiration from a range of industries, as I believe creativity is enriched by diverse perspectives. Industrial designer Konstantin Grcic inspires me with his focus on functionality paired with striking, minimal forms that show the beauty of simplicity. In fashion, I deeply admire Dries Van Noten, whose rich colours, textures, and botanical themes bring a unique depth to his designs. I’m also inspired by Olafur Eliasson, whose immersive installations transform spaces and invite viewers to engage with art on a sensory level. Each of these creators brings a unique approach to their discipline, inspiring me to explore new dimensions within textile design.
I share a studio with my partner, who is also a designer. We use a spare room in our house as our creative space. It’s cosy and quiet, perfect for focusing and getting into our creative flow. It feels like home, because, well, it is home. I love that it’s a personal space that reflects my style and allows me to work in a comfortable, intimate environment. It’s small, but it’s all I need to feel inspired and productive.
For my dream dinner party, I would invite some powerful women artists who have made a profound impact in their respective fields. I’d love to have Florence Welsh, Viola Davis, and Marina Abramović. I would serve a mix of my favourite dishes, something fresh and vibrant, like seafood with a crisp white wine—simple, yet full of flavour.
A recent book that left a strong impact on me is Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. Set in 1980s Poland, it’s a beautiful and haunting story of love, identity, and self-discovery against a backdrop of political unrest. The novel resonated with me for its exploration of freedom and personal courage, themes that feel universal and deeply moving. As for a film, The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli really stayed with me. It’s visually stunning and has this surreal, dreamlike quality that Ghibli does so well. The story mixes fantasy with some really heartfelt, introspective moments, exploring themes of life, loss, and growth in a way that feels both magical and real. It’s one of those films that makes you feel like you’ve gone on a journey and leaves you with plenty to think about long after it’s over.
I actually considered studying architecture in the past. I’ve always been fascinated by how buildings and spaces can affect the way we feel and interact with our surroundings. The idea of blending creativity with practicality really appeals to me. What I find especially interesting about architecture is the mix of math, science, and design. It’s not just about creating something visually striking, but also about understanding the structural, functional, and environmental aspects that make a space work. If I hadn’t gone the artistic route, I think I would have enjoyed exploring architecture—designing spaces that are not only functional but also beautiful and inspiring. It’s all about creating environments that people can connect with, which is something I think about a lot in my work as well.
My star sign is Aquarius, with a Taurus moon. I think I embody the Aquarian traits of independence, curiosity, and a strong drive to explore new ideas. Aquarians are often described as forward-thinking and imaginative, qualities that resonate with me in both my work and personal life. The Taurus moon brings a grounding influence, giving me an appreciation for stability, beauty, and a sense of calm in my surroundings.
