Oscar Ruiz‑Schmidt
Oscar Ruiz‑Schmidt (b. 1980, Liberia, Costa Rica) is the designer behind Obra Gris, a label rooted in sustainability and zero-waste innovation. With a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Costa Rica and an MA in Fashion Design from Berlin’s Weißensee School of Art, his interdisciplinary work blends fashion, industrial design, and interior decor.
Ruiz‑Schmidt creates timeless, functional pieces, ranging from garments and macramé to lighting and furniture, crafted from traditional materials like Guanacaste and teak. His work challenges the fast fashion paradigm, advocating for conscious consumption through enduring design.
A research residency at the Oceanographic Institute (UCR) in 2021 deepened his focus on climate change, ocean warming, and human resilience. Through his work as an educator at Texas Tech University, Costa Rica, he mentors emerging designers and business owners in sustainable thinking and process.
Ruiz-Schmidt’s work echoes Vivienne Westwood’s ethos: “Buy less, choose well, demand more,” a call he brings to life with clarity and care.
Featured Works
