Words by: Sarah Holland

Images courtesy of: RIVIERE AGENCY

Oxford Fashion Studio turned up the heat this NYFW, with a presentation featuring 10 independent designers. The spectacle went down Friday, February 7th at 59 Chelsea Piers and was a site to behold. Pre-show people watching, featured super cool street style, and an ample line. The collections themselves were diverse—with a range of design from traditional women’s wear, gender neutral apparel, jewelry, accessories, and a red-carpet ready plus size collection. The Oxford presentation truly offered something for everyone.

Na Yeong Baek kicked off this fashion marathon with beautiful forms from their collection titled “Untamed”. The models displayed flowing pieces, contrasted with constructed tops. The pairing offered a new twist on women’s dress suiting with hints of ripples and asymmetrical cuts. The South Korea based collection projected the concept of old meets new, with subtle flapper vibes. Their deco-reimagined pieces ewww constructed from a classic palette of black, white, and yellow.

Manishii brought drama drama drama—with their Indian based ready to wear collection featuring fierce winter outerwear pieces, and glam sheer numbers. The collection began with heavier piece like puffers layered over lace, and segued into lighter neutrals, soft gold tones, and metallics. We loved the vegan leather accents, and sheer peek-a-boo silhouettes, and were particularly impressed with the ingenious contrast of delicate femininity, (embroidery and lace), and heartier bold materials—leather and sequined metallics. Overall, an exciting and interesting collection.

Matt Sarafa This LA based Project Runway Junior Alumni Designer, (say that five times fast), added some serious edge to the show. All black everything—like a pool of your favorite liquid eyeliner seeping out on top of your vanity. Layered sheer crystal tops overlaid with sweaters, fabulous pops of fluffy accents. (Have we mentioned how much we love fluffy?) Pops of hounds tooth on the sleeves and and lining coats. Leather and feathers. Ooh baby! It’s no wonder this designer is such a hit with some of our favorite KWEENS—Tyra Banks, Iggy Azalea, Doja Cat, Lisa Raye, and Brenda Song all sport this brand. Matt Sarafa rocked the finale too—I mean, how could they not? Woof. We loved this collection.

Samantha Darryanto As easily perched atop a SOHO rooftop in June, as a chic soiree in the Hamptons—we were in love with the clean lines and ultra chic aesthetic of this collection. The NYC based designer, (are we surprised?) gracefully presented their Anak-Ku Collection, embodied by a wide selection of tunics and sheers. Our favorites? So many! We loved the roped belt accents, and the designer’s unique mix of print paired with fringe. Another big hit was the ample use of exotic silks presented in simple, yet lovely tailoring.

Mayan The Label Outerwear—beware. There’s a new kid on the block, and she’s bringing beautiful looks inspired by traditional Arabic fashion. This Saudi Arabia native designer, merged classic with contemporary for a twist. Mantus in a range of neutral shades and luxurious fabrics, billowed down the runway. More structured versions of the classic overcoat were also seen in leather, and wool blends. The range of outer pieces was impressive, with different layered fabrics and accents. While the cuts gave a nod to the classic silhouette, the designer still provided unique touches. The showstopper, and our personal favorite was the deep teal, leather trench.

Rene’ Tyler This designer fully celebrated beauty with their Noir Et Blanc collection. Models dazzled with fun black and white patterns, metallic materials, and flattering wrap cuts. No shortage of shine—the Las Vegas based designer was inspired classic Parisian Style, with a glamorous twist. Sequins, sheer, and tulle accents provided accentuation off curves. Statement pieces and show stoppers—her garments have been seen on celebrities such as Laverne Cox, Dulcé Sloan, Mary Lambert, and Marsha Ambrosius. We love love LOVED the elongated sleeves, and deep slit of the black metallic evening number. This confident collection dazzled, and was a highlight of the Oxford Collection.

Poli & Jo, This ‘East End of London style’ brand, debuted their Defender City Collection at the Oxford Collection. It’s rare for accessories to take center stage with their own show, but with this collection we can see why. Poli & Jo brought a super cool concept with models all dressed in beige jumpsuits, allowing the the asymmetrical army and orange bags to really pop! We loved the casual approach to these fashionable yet functional bags, and the obvious nod to British Heritage with a modern edge.

Nadine By Nadia Based in San Diego, the jewelry brand presented their edgy collection as the Oxford collection approached its finale. The brand payed homage to avante-garde 70’s/80’s NYC with ample fringe and long layered loop necklaces. Models pranced out in rock and roll dresses to led zeppelin, with dynamic energy. Pieces crafted in leather and beads were punctuated with spikes, studs, fringe, and more. Showstoppers included geometric cuff bracelets, distinct hair wraps, and innovative necklaces.

MVR This brand featured a world fusion of street garments, with models dressed as high fetch, futuristic snow bunnies of sorts. The collection, (Waitomo), was focused around the utopian Mecca of Waitomo Glowworm Cave, located in New Zealand. There was also a noticeable inspiration from 80s hip hop, and other global influence. It was like lower east side grunge and coco Chanel had a baby, that was ready to zip down a mountain. We appreciated the tweeds and oil licked metallic looks, Pops of M3 material, and edgy chains and stand alone hoods. This collection provide ample contrast and a bevy of candy for the eye.

Christy + You This strong yet playful collection closed out the night, with a mix of patern-centric women’s dress suiting. Traditional men’s wear gave way to deconstruction and re-purpose as thees power house females strutted the runway. We enjoyed the whimsical and unconventional elements of this collection, with he balance of the traditional business appropriate palette of grey, red, and navy hues. Girl Power!

Special thanks to Oxford Fashion Studio and RIVIERE AGENCY for having us. You gave us one heck of a show, with a feast for the eyes. Can’t wait for next year!