OSSO ARCHIVE The new concept that is rewriting the narrative of Vintage Fashion

Naomi: When did you open OSSO and why?

Ike: We opened OSSO about half a year ago, on September 3rd. Its founding came forth from a love and passion for art and fashion. To take what already is and to constantly have it evolve; items are designed with a specific function in mind but are much more than that if you open your mind to it. With this in mind, pieces that are originally seen as professional, roots, western or kinky are brought together as if they were meant to be combined. We want to share our authenticity and creativity with the world.

Naomi: How has the pandemic affected the way clothes get sold in your opinion?

There is a big shift from in-store to online buying.

While online buying can be convenient, we personally miss the whole experience of touching items and trying them on, since we believe this to be essential.

Naomi: What characteristic defines OSSO's unique style?

Ike: Authentic, sexy, classy, and raw.

Naomi: What type of research takes place while looking for a specific piece to add to the collection?

Ike: Fabric research is key. The way the fabric falls, looks, and feels is essential to possibly be part of the collection. Very often an item has a specific purpose, but we can see it being worn in a completely new and different way. Part of this is looking at items that are made for a specific subculture of gender, and styling them without considering any of those rules. This experimental, intuitive way of wearing items is an important part of the vision. 

Naomi: Since -at this moment- OSSO is an online platform, how would you like to evolve it in the future?

Ike: Ideally, OSSO would be a physical spot where

you can look and feel.

And have a drink. We would love to see OSSO have physical stores in our favorite cities, such as Paramaribo, Accra, Marrakesh, and many more.

Naomi: Your pieces are particular and unique, how can someone who is not used to this style feel comfortable still rock one of your fits?

Ike: Sometimes people come to us and say they really love our style, but are not sure how to wear it. You don't have to be used to a  specific style to be able to wear an OSSO fit; since our collection is diverse, non-gendered, and includes authentic staples, everybody can find something that will suit them.

Naomi: What is your idea of fashion and how do you try to stay true to it while looking for pieces?

Ike: Fashion is art. Art is an expression of the soul. That's why what you wear on a specific day, can be a true reflection of how you feel. Looking for new pieces involves keeping listening to yourself, being inspired by your environment, and being open to change and evolution. But simultaneously, you have to stay true to your essence.

Naomi: What do you think is missing in the fashion market, and how do you think you can contribute to filling the gap?

Ike: From our perspective, too many people that are artists at core are missing from the fashion scene. The realness and the feel of art, to cover yourself with that. To feel and see the magic of that art, that you don't even need to explain because it speaks for itself. So what we want to see, is more of that magic. Either you have it or you don't.

And we do.