Oats & Rice founder Shiyi created the company in 2015, short after graduating from Winchester School of Art in the UK. She threw herself into the traditional textile business with outpouring curiosity and passion. In the Kawashima Textile School in Kyoto, she studied kasuri (ikat) weaving technique. She also trained under a watchful eye of a Japanese shifu weaving master to grasp the art of turning paper into thread.

Her textile journey took her to Inner Mongolia, where she envisioned the sustainable cashmere supply chain we use today.

Ethical production in Inner Mongolia.

Textile is much more than just the end product. There are many local communities involved in different stages of production. From collecting the raw fibre, spinning the yarn, dyeing it, to finally weaving a remarkable piece.

The brand is thoughtful of the whole process and strive to have the minimum possible impact on the natural environment. They support fair trade with skilful local makers and aim to preserve regional craftsmanship and traditions.