By: Adam Campbell

With Ortenhill, a footwear brand making waves far beyond Singapore’s shores, former musician Trisno Ishak transitioned to the fashion industry, blending music and fashion in an unusual duet. “Fashion, like music, is about breaking boundaries and telling your own story,” he says.

From its humble beginnings, Ortenhill has grown exponentially, attracting a loyal following across Southeast Asia, Europe, and now the United States. Led by Trisno, the company’s focus on quality craftsmanship and adherence to sustainability resonate with consumers who are increasingly aware of the effects of their purchases.

The Beat of a New Drum

Trisno Ishak was prominent in Singapore’s music scene in the early 2000s. He was the frontman of the hip-hop/R&B group Urban Xchange and later the psychedelic rock band Parking Lot Pimp. Urban Xchange struck a major label deal with Universal Music Singapore, which propelled them to regional fame. Parking Lot Pimp, with its distinctive sound, further solidified Trisno’s reputation as a versatile and influential artist. 

However, the music industry’s volatility weighed heavily on him over time. “The music industry is unpredictable, and I felt that it was time to channel my creative energies into something more enduring,” Trisno reflects.

The introspection led to the birth of Ortenhill in 2011, a company that began as a small venture driven by the philosophy that fashion should be an expression of individuality, not conformity. 

Crafting a Unique Footprint

Ortenhill’s unisex designs, which challenge the traditional boundaries of gender-specific fashion, click with a new generation of consumers who value inclusivity and self-expression. The brand’s signature products, like the unisex flat classic sandals and the Yanagi unisex straw-like flat sandals, are only a few of the examples that reflect the brand’s philosophies. 

“Our products are both about aesthetics and making a statement,” Trisno explains. “More than just wearing stylish footwear, we want our customers to feel empowered to express themselves in their own way.”

When examining the numbers, a compelling narrative emerges. In 2023, Ortenhill reported a 57% increase in market presence within Southeast Asia and a significant growth in Europe and the USA. Looking forward to 2024, the global footwear market is set to grow at an annual rate of 5%. Ortenhill is strategically equipped to utilize eco-friendly materials, like recycled rubber tires for sandal soles, to differentiate itself from competitors.

Trisno’s leadership has been critical in managing the obstacles of growing a business in a notoriously challenging industry. “One of the biggest challenges was maintaining our brand’s integrity while expanding,” he admits. “We didn’t want to lose the essence of what made us unique.” 

He explains that this essence is rooted in Ortenhill’s commitment to creating versatile, timeless designs that transcend fleeting fashion trends. This dedication has led to invitations to prestigious events like Singapore Fashion Week and Dubai Modest Fashion Week, where Ortenhill has showcased its collections to international audiences.

The Confluence of Creativity and Commerce

Trisno’s journey from the stage to the boardroom illustrates the influence of creativity when it is channeled into entrepreneurship. His ability to blend artistry with business acumen has sustained Ortenhill through its formative years and positioned the brand as a trendsetter in the global fashion industry. “Creativity doesn’t stop when you leave the studio or the stage,” he says. “It’s about finding new ways to connect with people, whether through music or fashion.”

Ortenhill’s medium-term goals include establishing a solid online presence in the U.S. and building a community of loyal customers through engaging content and storytelling. The brand’s long-term vision is even more ambitious: to create a physical presence in the U.S.

Reflecting on the brand’s success so far, Trisno Ishak’s words are grounded. “We’ve come a long way, but there’s still so much more we want to achieve,” he says. We aim to inspire others to embrace their individuality, just as we have.”

Published by: Martin De Juan