The Outsiders: A Creative Speaker Series from Artistic Milliners x Cone Denim. Featuring Omar Bailey of Fctry Lab

​The Outsiders is a new speaker series from Artistic Milliners x Cone Denim that seeks to spotlight leading creatives from outside our denim bubble, bringing fresh perspectives and insights to our community that we hope will spur conversations, shift perspectives and bring some much-needed wonder.

​OMAR BAILEY a footwear development pioneer and co-founder of Fctry Lab will be our featured speaker at the first-ever Outsiders event.

​Omar Bailey is a trailblazing force in the footwear industry who has helped bridge the gap from conceptual design into physically wearable footwear during his extensive career. With over 20 years of global product development and manufacturing experience as a design engineer, he built his reputation developing footwear for entertainers such as Jay-Z and Lady Gaga, athletes such as Karim Benzema, José Bautista and Jalen Ramsey, among others. His professional trajectory includes roles at renowned industry brands including New Balance, K-Swiss, Adidas and Timberland. His passion for sneakers led him across the globe - including China, India, and Saudi Arabia - where he immersed himself in the culture and gained a deep understanding of the bridge between design and contract manufacturing. 

​Omar’s journey into the world of footwear design commenced at the age of seven in his parents' New York home, sketching out his earliest designs. Educated at esteemed institutions like the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and the College of Design, Architecture & Art at University of Cincinnati, he honed his craft, pursuing degrees in industrial design.

​Seating is limited and tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.

​Event Schedule:

​5:30PM to 6:15PM     welcome reception

​6:15PM to 7:00PM     fireside chat / Q+A

​7:00PM to 8:00PM     cocktails + bites