Where does “óskabein” come from?
A story from our founder
“Growing up, I was enchanted by stories of my parents’ journeys across Iceland, a land where fire and ice coexist in breathtaking harmony. Their deep connection to this unique place ignited a spark in me, fostering a profound fascination for its stunning terrain and rich cultural heritage. After visiting for the first time, I came away fully taken by the harsh allure of the landscape. The almost-frightening duality of the place moved me to think differently about material harmony, and drove me to conceive of new ways to collide and connect elements of construction.
This re-framing became the cornerstone of my creative sensibility, shaping my appreciation for finding beauty in the hypocrisy that is the blending of the natural world and human innovation. In my work, I strive to merge the organic and the synthetic, exemplifying the contrast of materials like metal and leather. The rich, evocative colors drawn from the Icelandic coast infuse each piece, mirroring my vivid experience of the land and the lore of its people.
Through Óskabein, I aim to celebrate the magic of Iceland and give testament to its lasting impact on my craft.”
- VICTOR SYLVA, founder of Óskabein
ABOUT Victor
Victor Sylva, a graduate of the Cooper Union School for the Advancement of Science and Art, specializes in fine art with a focus on material studies, visual composition, and sustainable technology.
His work embodies an exceptional attention to detail, aiming to create a refined experience that harmonizes the body with accessories. Each product is meticulously handcrafted, showcasing a unique blend of natural and synthetic materials, resulting in designs that not only elevate aesthetic appeal but also enhance functionality.
Sylva's approach emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful interaction between the wearer and the crafted piece, making every item a testament to his dedication to artistry.
ABOUT Angel
Angel handles the hands-on testing for the Motopack, putting prototypes through real-world conditions to ensure every technical detail performs reliably in the field. A seasoned sport-bike rider, he leads a fast-group that rides weekly throughout the NYC/NJ tristate area and has completed multiple long-haul trips—most notably Boston to Tennessee and back on his Yamaha R9, so his assessments span both aggressive urban runs and extended highway endurance.
His focused feedback on wearability, comfort, and usability has been instrumental in refining prototypes into functional, field-ready models that meet the demands of active riders.
ABOUT Deric
Deric Hamer is our patterning and fit specialist whose hands-on expertise has been instrumental in refining the fit and anchoring systems of the Motopack. Built on a decade-plus career in the NYC garment district and the menswear world, his technical skills are rooted in traditional apparel construction and a deep understanding of silhouette and movement.
Deric’s design sensibility is informed by long collaborations with prominent vintage menswear dealers on the East Coast and by extensive travel and residence across Asia and Africa — years spent living in Zambia, Sudan, and Nigeria taught him to read how culture, materiality, and resource constraints shape practical, elegant solutions. That blend of metropolitan tailoring and field-tested ingenuity ensures the Motopack fits riders comfortably, anchors reliably, and performs consistently under real-world, demanding conditions.
Vikurfjara strönd, Iceland 2024
