Oscar Ruiz-Schmidt

Oscar Ruiz-Schmidt, the Costa Rican fashion designer and artist behind the label Obra Gris, is a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental consciousness. With a background in fashion and graphic design, he weaves his vision into the fabric of his designs.

Ruiz-Schmidt’s roots in Liberia, Guanacaste, aided early creativity; his mother’s ability to create her own clothes ignited his passion for fashion design. From a young age, he handcrafted his own items, a skill that would later inform his artistic journey. His education includes an MA in Fashion Design from the Weissensee School of Art in Berlin, Germany, and a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Costa Rica, equipping him with a unique blend of skills.

Ruiz-Schmidt’s commitment to Zero Waste Design is a direct response to the detrimental effects of fast fashion on our planet. He strives to make items that don’t harm the environment and actively opposes the throwaway culture prevalent in the fashion industry and wider society. Inspired by the wise words of British designer Vivienne Westwood, he encourages consumers to “buy less, choose well, demand more.”

Beyond fashion, Oscar’s practice extends into home decor, as he incorporates his fashion sensibility into creating sustainable, long-lasting objects. From macrame and wall hangings to sculptures, lighting and furniture, his designs bring the world of fashion into interior spaces, making a lasting impact on everyday life. Inspired by the white soil found in Liberia, Guanacaste, he offers a range of ceramic lamps, vases, and sculptural pieces that echo the textures and tones of the landscape.

Through his extensive exhibitions in Costa Rica and beyond, Ruiz Schmidt exemplifies the power of art and design in advocating for a more sustainable and conscious future.

Why We Love This Artist
Oscar brings a flair and personality to everything he makes that is immediately recognisable — there is wit in his work, and warmth, and a deep connection to the textures and tones of Guanacaste where he grew up. His commitment to sustainable design and support of local artisans gives his practice substance beyond the aesthetic, grounding it firmly in Costa Rican heritage while feeling thoroughly contemporary.