Andrew Phua

Andrew Phua (APHUA) is a multidisciplinary artist and bespoke designer redefining fashion as wearable art. Rooted in both Indonesia and Australia, and shaped by creative training across Melbourne, Toronto, and beyond, his practice weaves together fashion, photography, and storytelling.

Each creation — from fluid garments to sculptural accessories — explores restraint, craftsmanship, and renewal. Working with surplus, sample, and found materials, often including garments with sentimental value, Phua transforms the overlooked into the exquisite. For him, sustainability is not a trend but a philosophy of renewal — an ongoing act of giving forgotten materials new life through deeply personal, beautifully made design.

With an instinct for balance and quiet beauty, APHUA embodies a modern, understated form of luxury — one defined by sustainability, individuality, and timeless design.

Currently based in Trenton, Andrew has enjoyed sharing his one-of-a-kind garments with visitors to local markets, including Gather in the County, Gather’s Get Cozy Pop-Up this past month, and holiday markets. This November, Andrew will be exhibiting at The Maker’s Hand, taking place in its new location at the County Arts Lab in the historic Armoury on Picton’s Main Street, November 7th-9th, 2025. With over 20 booths inside the County Arts Lab and in the adjoining atrium, this annual celebration of fine craft is not to be missed.

We were delighted to catch up with Andrew during this busy time of year to learn more about upcoming projects, what has challenged him, and more!

Tell us about any upcoming projects you have going on:

I’m expanding my fashion practice into a more reflective and expressive area of fabric art. Building on the visual language of my fashion line, I’ll explore how sustainability and creativity come together through both traditional and experimental textile techniques — including Japanese Sashiko stitching, embroidery, and fabric painting.

Each new piece will be made from reclaimed textiles and leftovers from my earlier projects — garments, bow ties, and butterfly accessories — reworked into fresh compositions. Through this process of transformation, I aim to question ideas of value and permanence, showing how fragments of the past can be reshaped into something with new beauty and meaning. Some of my new projects will be on display at multiple markets this fall including The Maker’s Hand in November.

What have you worked on recently that has you excited?

I’ve been exploring a new creative direction, turning pieces of fabric, bow ties, and butterfly accessories into detailed three-dimensional greeting cards. Each piece reflects my belief that beauty can be found in what’s left behind — that even the smallest scraps can be transformed to tell new stories through care and imagination.

What has been your most challenging project since you began your career?

One of my ongoing challenges has been making sure my work is not just seen but truly understood. As a designer who values slow fashion and handmade craft, I’ve learned that real connection takes time — the depth of my work often reveals itself slowly.

That challenge has become a motivation. I want to share not only what I make, but also the stories, care, and quiet effort behind each piece. My practice is built on process and meaning — an exploration of patience, honesty in materials, and staying true to myself. Along the way, I’ve come to accept that understanding grows in its own time, and that the right people will always connect with what’s genuine.

What advice would you give to artists just starting out in their careers?

The best advice I can give to emerging artists is to value the small things — the scraps, ideas, and experiments that might seem unimportant at first. All the little things you have can one day grow into something bigger for your next project. I’ve learned that creativity thrives on curiosity, patience, and care. It’s a simple philosophy that runs through my own work — turning leftovers into art, and small beginnings into something lasting and meaningful.