Designer Spotlight: Osei-Duro
With a design studio in Vancouver, BC, a headquarters in Ghana, and distribution in Denver, Osei-Duro is the epitome of a global brand. Each of their colorful, contemporary pieces begins with a unique textile design that's handmade and hand-dyed by Ghanaian artisans with the goal of creating and supporting a fully sustainable textile industry. In every location, Osei-Duro is committed to providing an ethical, respectful working environment that prioritizes creativity and well-being. We chatted with the team about their latest collection and brand ethos, below.
How do you blend traditional and modern styles and techniques in your designs?
We work with a variety of small-scale artisans who craft all our garments by hand—from dyeing the fabrics to stitching all the pieces together. Using traditional dyeing techniques with dyes sourced from the local markets, our batikers bring to life the colors and patterns that our design team (based in Vancouver, BC) creates.
What was the inspiration behind this collection?
Everything! Life, frankly. Shapes and patterns that we see all around us.
How do you work together when it comes to conceptualizing and designing a new collection?
Our design team first takes some time to develop new styles, drawing inspiration from a range of sources. Old and retired styles are also considered to see if any could be revamped to suit the season.
Ideas are then shared with our production and technical departments to draw up patterns and ensure that our local artisans, dyers, and sewers can create these designs with our fabrics. A few rounds of tests are conducted before the final selections are made by design and merchandising.
For a long time, the design team at Osei-Duro was responsible for naming our many prints and styles. In 2022, we decided to switch it up and open the naming process to our entire team. Everyone—from quality control (QC) to our janitorial staff and beyond—is invited to submit names. The merchandising team then makes a final selection from all the submissions. It has proven to be a really fun way for us all to engage with the design process.
The QC team comes in during production to check and ensure that all clothing meets the Osei-Duro quality standards before finally sending them to our Logistics department for shipment to our fulfillment center in Denver. From there, it goes to you, wherever you are!
What are a few of your favorite pieces from this collection?
I’m planning to wear the Saya dress in Long Division all summer, as I am always looking for something elegant that I can basically feel naked in :)
—Molly, Cofounder
The Epo tie top in Tunnel of Love, for its styling versatility and the semblance of its patterns to the avocado fruit, which I really like! —Kukua, Marketing
I personally love the Bata Dress in 2 Party System. It’s so flattering and the perfect cotton slip-on dress for Sunday brunch with the family. —Shoshana, Country Director
