OSUSO, a Vancouver-based clothing brand founded by designers Susan Nishimura and Michael Rooney, brings a fresh take on timeless fashion with limited-edition women’s printed silk tops, scarves, and fleece pieces for both men and women. With years of experience in the industry, including their successful Three Stones Clothing line, the duo sought to move away from fast fashion, focusing on quality, originality, and slow, sustainable design.
What is your business called and what does it do?
OSUSO is a Vancouver-based clothing brand. We offer a line of limited-edition women’s printed silk tops and scarves, as well as a collection of fleece pieces for both men and women. We offer timeless designs blending comfort, style and originality.
What made you want to do this work?
We have been involved in the clothing industry for many years. We started Three Stones Clothing while attending university, and it has been quite a journey since then. We started out making custom t-shirts with no real long-term plan for where we were going. Within a few years, we grew into a street wear line and then from there we evolved into a women’s line selling in retail stores across Canada and parts of the US. Three Stones had a long and successful run, but a few years ago, we decided it had run its course. We wanted to break away from the grind of seasonal production, coming up with new designs seasonally and always trying to do more and more. Our fleece hoodies and printed tops were signature Three Stones designs. They were popular, and we enjoyed making them, so we decided to slow things down and focus on those. Doing this allowed us to simplify things, to create fewer and more timeless designs and to produce them in limited numbers.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Clothing, especially women’s clothing, has become somewhat monotone and minimalist, so we wanted to do something more, to create something not as plain as a lot of the stuff we’re seeing out there. We set out to create pieces that are unique and stylish, but at the same time very wearable and timeless. Our clothes are designed for people who value quality, beauty and originality.
Beyond fashion, we see our designs as a way to give back. A portion of all our sales goes toward two great organisations making a positive impact in the community. We’re proud to support the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our designs resonate with creatives, professionals and entrepreneurs, and anyone who values style, comfort, and craftsmanship.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Our designs are available at our online store at osusoproject.com
As we mentioned, we wanted part of our business model to be about giving back. A portion of all sales will go to our charity partners.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our products are available for purchase at our online store at osusoproject.com. We also participate in local markets and pop-up events from time to time, and we may look to reconnect with some of our retail stores. Stay tuned!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What sets OSUSO designs apart?
Many fashion choices today are either a little safe or they’re really trendy and disposable. We’ve created something unique, stylish and made to last.
Our silk tops balance elegance and casual luxury. Our tunics, camis and t-shirts are made from 100% sandwashed silk to provide a matte finish, with original prints and graphics ranging from playful to sophisticated. We know some people are intimidated by silk, but these tops provide a relaxed and flowing fit; they hang nicely on the body, definitely not a fitted look or feel. And while prints aren’t for everyone, even those who usually steer clear of prints might make an exception. The designs aren’t loud or bold, our’s are subtle and muted. These tops are wearable, versatile, and easy to style. Plus, with our signature washbags, they’re very easy to wash and care for.
Our fleece collection features classic zip-ups, pullovers and crews, but elevated. Our attention to design and construction standards sets us apart. We pay very close attention to details like the texture of our brushed fleece, fitted sleeves, right down to our unique hidden waist drawcords and the quality of our zippers. These small choices make all the difference.
We also embrace the slow fashion movement. Using high-quality fabrics and fine craftsmanship, our clothes are made to last, in both style and durability. While our prices reflect this commitment, we want to be our clients’ go-to pieces, the ones they reach for time and time again. In a world of fast fashion, we embrace the philosophy of “buy better, buy less.”
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
As a small or niche brand, it’s a challenge to cut through the noise and get people’s attention. There are so many easy and accessible options out there when it comes to fashion. On the other hand, we’re small and we are able to connect directly with our customers. We’re proud of our work, and we’re making clothes we want to make, not chasing the latest trends and trying to appeal to everybody.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
It’s not exactly a joke, but the idea that free shipping and returns are offered out like candy. Big brands have set the expectation that immediate, no-cost shipping and returns are the norm. But the reality is they can absorb those costs in ways that small, independent brands like ours simply can’t. We’d love to offer free shipping and returns, but it’s just not viable. But who’s kidding who (or is it whom?), we love free shipping too when we’re the ones shopping online!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We absolutely love Potluck Hawker Eatery in the Cambie corridor and Street Hawker on Main.
