The Design Studio
The Design Studio
Varberg, a town on the Swedish West Coast, is home to Vagabond Shoemakers. Besides housing an office and warehouse, the location features a design studio and full-size workshop. We got an exclusive studio tour, accompanied by Creative Director Maria Billson Olander.
Varberg, a town on the Swedish West Coast, is home to Vagabond Shoemakers. Besides housing an office and warehouse, the location features a design studio and full-size workshop. We got an exclusive studio tour, accompanied by Creative Director Maria Billson Olander.
We usually say that everything begins in our design studio. Here, collections come to life through close collaboration between designers and technicians. The studio serves as a creative playground, where no idea is too small or big, as long as it remains true to our core philosophy: to last over time, both in style and quality.
Unlike the common industry process, where designers send sketches to external suppliers, await prototypes, and alter the design through a back-and-forth exchange, our workshop does it all. “We create all prototypes here, from shoe last to finalised style”, Maria shares,
“Our in-house knowledge, craftsmanship, and workshop allow us to alter, test and perfect the product without it ever leaving the building.”
“Our in-house knowledge, craftsmanship, and workshop allow us to alter, test and perfect the product without it ever leaving the building.“
Surrounded by leather rolls, fabrics, and hardware, the space is undeniably inspiring. However, the real inspiration is not found in materials - but in moments. In people, daily life and in the rhythm of now. Maria emphasises that the Vagabond archive also plays a key role, “Previous styles, features, and materials are an ongoing source of inspiration. They are not just blasts from the past; they help us stay aligned with our design DNA.”
The challenge is not always in creating but in curating. To make the cut, one rule stands: the style must be wearable for various occasions. Living in a constantly changing time, trends do affect collections but are seen as an influence more than a necessity.
“We try to balance trends with our DNA; we don’t follow them; we get inspired by them.”
“We try to balance trends with our DNA; we don’t follow them; we get inspired by them.”
The team selects trends they believe will endure, breaks them down and extracts what they like.
It takes a team of about 10 people to create a prototype, including everything from design to construction. Each person brings a unique skill set, making them crucial to the process. With a last and outsole, a shoe can be finalised in just two hours - resembling a smooth conveyor belt where craftsmanship is key.
Each season brings new perspectives, but some choices leave a long-lasting impression. As a parting thought, we asked Maria to reflect on a design decision she’s particularly proud of.
“In general, I would say it’s the creative risks that truly paid off. For example, when we've had a gut feeling about a certain, unexpected design or silhouette, we've released a limited volume, and it has sold out immediately. Like when we first launched our Atelier collection.”
“In general, I would say it’s the creative risks that truly paid off. For example, when we've had a gut feeling about a certain, unexpected design or silhouette, we've released a limited volume, and it has sold out immediately. Like when we first launched our Atelier collection.”
Curious to learn more about our craftsmanship? Explore The Craft.