Stoi Galindez, founder of Stoi’s Design Co., designs for people, not for rules. 

At Stoi’s Design Co., the Columbia-based fashion and interior brand she runs with her wife and creative partner, Soul Renée, every piece is made-to-order — crafted to fit the person, not a preset idea of what bodies should look like. There are no racks of duplicates, no small-medium-large and definitely no rules.

“If you can’t fit what’s on the rack, no fear, because we can make it in your size,” Galindez said. 

Galindez has lived around the world, including London, Paris, her native New York and Alaska. (Yes, Alaska.) But her wife’s mother fell ill in Columbia, and the two relocated here about five years ago. The couture business went on, although now they sell now to customers in Columbia. 

In the design room, nothing is wasted. All scraps become something new. Small pieces turn into children’s clothes or handmade accessories. Larger leftovers shape new designs. The small company’s process values creativity over convenience and individuality over conformity. 

Fast fashion from China is convenient and cheap. Stoi’s pieces cost more. But local customers say they don’t mind paying more for individuality and something that’s custom-made.

“Wearing one of Stoi’s custom design(s) feels transformative, like stepping into your truest self,” said LaTonya Franklin, a long-time customer. “Every stitch carries intention. Every detail reflects your individuality.”

That focus on individuality runs deeper than fabric. 

In the South, where fashion and identity can still feel constrained, their work is quietly radical. Each show, pop-up and collection invites Columbia to reimagine what beauty can look like. Information on pop-up events and shows can be found on their Instagram.

Galindez finds inspiration in Alexander McQueen and his fearless artistry. Her work shares that same spirit of beauty and rebellion.

Her designs command attention with a mix of edge and stretchy elegance. She layers lace over sleek silhouettes and turns softness into strength. Each look moves with ease and purpose, free from buttons or zippers. 

The brand’s Androgynous Soul line — created by Soul Renée, who also occasionally sketches designs — blurs traditional gender boundaries.

Their fluid designs challenge gender norms and celebrate self-expression. In their studio, fashion is for everyone. 

 ”You will see a man in a skirt,” Renée said. “He doesn’t necessarily have to be gay, but he wants to wear it. … I think that instead of it being gay, lesbian, straight, male or female, it’s just expressing the way that you are.”