# Osklen

> Osklen is a slow and sustainable label based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, started in 1989. Behind the label: Oskar Metsavaht. Known for urban and beachwear from Rio, tied to its founder’s sustainability work.

- Canonical: https://thecastindex.com/designers/osklen
- Country guide: https://thecastindex.com/houses/brazilian-designers
- Facts checked: 2026-10-22
- Author: Kaiser Khan (Founder & Editor)

## Quick facts

- Behind the label: Oskar Metsavaht
- Based: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Since: 1989
- Focus: Slow and sustainable
- Makes: Menswear, womenswear, swimwear and footwear
- Trained: Trained as a doctor
- Official site: https://www.osklen.com

## Who is behind Osklen?

Oskar Metsavaht was a 25-year-old doctor on a 1986 Aconcagua expedition before he turned to clothing; Brazil Journal dates Osklen to 1989, though a 2011 UN News item gives 1997. He also founded Instituto-E, a Rio non-profit for sustainable development, and UNESCO named him a Goodwill Ambassador in 2011. In February 2026 Osklen co-created the Brazilian team’s Winter Olympics ceremony uniforms with Moncler, in recycled nylon, and in April it opened the first Rio Fashion Week with 36 looks it called a tribute to Rio.

## Timeline

- 1989: Osklen is founded. (source: https://braziljournal.com/na-collab-com-a-moncler-a-nova-osklen-volta-as-origens/)
- May 2011: Oskar Metsavaht is named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. (source: https://news.un.org/en/node/375972)
- February 2026: Co-creates the Brazilian team’s Winter Olympics ceremony uniforms with Moncler. (source: https://braziljournal.com/na-collab-com-a-moncler-a-nova-osklen-volta-as-origens/)
- 14 April 2026: Opens the first Rio Fashion Week, at the former British Embassy in Rio. (source: https://www.correiodamanha.com.br/cultura/moda/2026/04/276665-rio-fashion-week-esta-de-volta.html)

## Sources

- [Brazil Journal — Osklen and Moncler (8 February 2026)](https://braziljournal.com/na-collab-com-a-moncler-a-nova-osklen-volta-as-origens/) — checked 2026-10-22
- [UN News — UNESCO names three Brazilian Goodwill Ambassadors (23 May 2011)](https://news.un.org/en/node/375972) — checked 2026-10-22
- [Correio da Manhã (Folhapress) — Rio Fashion Week returns (13 April 2026)](https://www.correiodamanha.com.br/cultura/moda/2026/04/276665-rio-fashion-week-esta-de-volta.html) — checked 2026-10-22
- [Osklen — international store (official site)](https://www.osklen.com/pages/about) — checked 2026-10-22