Meet Thaddeus O’Neil, the American designer in love with ikat 

How one consummate surfer boy discovered and fell for the craft

As one of the finalists of the esteemed International Woolmark Prize 2013 and the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund 2015, Thaddeus O’Neil has a lot to show for his time. In the five years since launching his eponymous label in 2013, he has quietly and steadily created a disruptive niche for himself that lovingly redefines the beach and surf culture as luxury playwear with silhouettes that stay true to his nomadic ethos. And if you were to look closely, you’d find the indigenous craft of ikat gracing his artfully laid-back palette. After admiring from afar, the Long Island-born designer finally made his way to the country for an immersive trip in Goa, taking in the cultural cosmos of the beach central. Here’s what he is taking back with him.

by Hasina Khatib