I've raved about Osborn in the past. Honestly, I could go on for hours with all the reasons I love them (something along the lines of successful social enterprise creating sustainable and positive opportunities in the community that they work in). But, this is a fashion blog after all, and you're probably not here to listen to me nerd out about great business models. So lets talk instead about how AMAZING Osborn shoes are. I'm definitely not alone in my love for these hand made oxfords (and new styles to come!) - because over the past season we've seen heavy hitters like Urban Outfitters and Solestruck pick up the label.

It was an absolute pleasure to have Osborn participate in our Designer Interview Series. I look forward to following them for many years to come.

Paper-Doll: How did you get into fashion design?
Osborn: Osborn is the brainchild of owners Carla & Aaron Osborn. Both owners have a background in fine art and other creative things. Fashion was a natural extension of their aesthetic interests. Specifically, the company was started as a humanitarian & fashion project launched in 2009.

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)?
Aaron, made himself a custom shirt when he was 10 from thrift store scraps. Carla designed her first shirt as a teenager by altering some of her mother's vintage clothes in the attic. As artists, you really do have a lifetime of creating things until one day, you go from personal to professional.

When did you launch Osborn?
The label was officially launched in late 2009 once Osborn’s fair trade production workshop was organized.

What inspires you / your work?
The inspiration that drives our company include: social equality, artistic grit, a folk-urban aura, playful unexpected associations, and of course, hardy craftsmanship.

Describe your SS’11 Collection.
The collection explored a lot of dual palates of soft suedes and patterned woven cotton. Colorways vary, but there is a strong emphasis on earth tones mixed with brights. The oxford and bootie silhouettes were updated. Everything continues to be hand crafted.

What is your favourite piece from your SS’11 Collection?
One of our favorite shoes from the SS'11 collection is currently carried by Urban Outfitters. It is a Floral Oxford, and we love the contrasting floral bouquet pattern with a strong black. It is feminine and strong.

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on SS’11?
We listened a lot to the Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” album, Willy Nelson, and Glee classics.

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
We have many favorite parts, but the most fruitful is witnessing the humanitarian part of the project work and evolve as we develop better and closer relationships with our team of workers in Guatemala and seeing their community benefit and grow. We also enjoy seeing happy customers who love their Osborns!

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Production & Sourcing. We own our own manufacturing so all the responsibilities and challenges of running our own factory is our job. We don’t just draw up pictures and send them away to wait for our samples, we are there every step of the way sourcing and managing a workforce of 35 artisans in Guatemala.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
As new designers, it has been pleasantly surprising to be welcomed into the workings of the fashion world, which include such warm and fun personalities, from buyers, to press to stylists.

If you could collaborate with any designer / artist / musician / etc. on a single project, who would it be and what would you do?
Bono from U2. We would love to collaborate on promoting ethical fashion, implementing sustainable fashion businesses in underrepresented areas, and building communities through fashion.

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
We would have loved to have dressed Michael Jackson, because it would have been really cool to see him dance in a pair of our shoes.

How would you describe your own personal style?
Varies dramatically from day to day, but casual, urban cool? Soft cottons and rayon, patterns, flats, button downs, hats...

What is your favourite item in your personal wardrobe?
A dark grey vintage English Wool hat that makes any look completely adorable.

Where do you shop for clothes and shoes when you're not wearing your own?
Thrift stores, sample sales, Barney’s, H&M....

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
Any super soft pants that are tailored and fitted with a tad of looseness.

What fashion trend would you not be caught dead in?
Nina Garcia coined the term: “angry shoes”. Shoes that have too many pieces of metal or studs.

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
Every woman should have a casual designer dress that fits her perfectly so there is no question about how beautiful she will look when she slips it on to have a casual day full of admiration from onlookers.

What is your favourite thing about the city you live in?
New York City: It’s our hometown city! Our favorite thing about New York is all the other amazing New Yorkers hustling and bustling.

If you couldn’t be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
Aside from fashion and the arts...possibly travel photographers (what a way to stay tuned in to the beauty and life around us).

What is next for your label?
Evolving shoe shapes & textures....possibly clothing...anything and everything to further promote Osborn’s humanitarian fashion project.

Visit: Osborn