Background
Born and raised in New York City, Maxwell didn't dream of becoming a designer initially.
Attended art school during junior high and developed a love for design.
His journey began when urban streetwear brands like Puff, Russell Simmons, and FUBU
emerged.
Started working at Tommy Hilfiger retail, later interned at Sean John, and eventually
became an associate designer.
Met Dao, a colleague at Sean John, and together they founded Public School in 2008.
Describes the inspiration behind Public School, blending high and low, and capturing New
York's attitude.
Talks about the inclusivity in the fashion industry and the importance of sharing
knowledge.
Public School's Impact
Acknowledges the impact of Public School in bringing diversity and freshness to the fashion
industry.
Reflects on the significance of being a source of inspiration for others, especially people of
color in the design field.
Discusses the challenges Public School faced initially and the turning point with the Vogue
Fashion Fund.
Lessons from Sean John
Emphasizes the importance of being a sponge and absorbing knowledge.
Recalls lessons from Puff, particularly the idea of pushing boundaries and being
unapologetic.
Highlights Puff's influence on breaking stereotypes in urban wear and pushing for luxury.
Transition to anOnlyChild
Talks about the transition from Public School to anOnlyChild.
Describes the origin of the name "anOnlyChild" and how it became a real brand during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Shares the process of creating the brand during the pandemic, playing with dead stock
fabrics, and finding inspiration in family photos.
Recounts the pivotal moment of organizing a private show for family and close friends
during COVID-19 restrictions.
anOnlyChild despite knowing the challenges.
The Launch of Only Child
Maxwell reflects on the unique launch of Only Child, emphasizing the importance of
presence over exclusivity.
The event turned into a lively barbecue, showcasing the brand's emphasis on community
and family.
Details of the launch event, including the location and the collaborative effort that brought
it to life.
Evolution of Only Child
Maxwell discusses the early challenges and imperfections of the brand, highlighting the
transition from initial, "shittier samples" to a more refined approach.
The significance of Julie Ragolia's styling in shaping Only Child's early identity.
Insight into the gradual expansion of retailers carrying Only Child, including exclusive
collaborations with Saks, Bergdorf, Kith, and Elise Walker.
Navigating the Fashion Industry
Maxwell shares the brand's philosophy, emphasizing the playfulness of ideas and the use of
deadstock fabrics to recreate the past into the future.
A journey through the seasons, exploring the storytelling aspect of collections, from
"Welcome Home" to "Sundays."
Insights into the challenges and rewards of a two-decade-long career in the fashion
industry.
Advice for aspiring designers, emphasizing the importance of experience, consistency, and
finding one's voice.
Connect with Maxwell Osborne and Only Child:
Instagram: @MaxwellOsborne
Visit us at https://www.harlemsfashionrow.com/
Follow HFR! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlemsfashionrow/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hfrmovement?lang=en
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ABOUT HFR: Harlem's Fashion Row is the epicenter of fashion for the multicultural
audience committed to curating one designer, one story, and one collection at a time.
