Presley Oldham, a jewelry designer and CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, made a bold move by presenting a salon-style show at The Standard’s Boom during New York Fashion Week. He decided to include clothing in addition to his jewelry pieces to create a complete world for his brand. The collection featured intricate beaded flowers made by Oldham’s grandmother, Linda Oldham, which were reimagined into bralettes, tops, and other styles. Oldham honored his grandmother’s work by incorporating her creations and described the emotional significance of using them in his collection.
Oldham utilized glass beads, pearls, and unconventional materials to create showstopping headpieces and jewelry pieces. He collaborated with Murano glass makers, artist Frank Traynor, and artisans in India to enhance his designs. In addition to his signature jewelry pieces, Oldham introduced a fine jewelry line featuring Swarovski crystals, sapphires, and solid gold pieces. He aimed to create a beautiful, elegant, and sexy aesthetic by combining his jewelry with the accompanying clothing, which included silk cover-ups and knitted tops.
The designer’s presentation at New York Fashion Week showcased his strong sense of community and collaboration. He enlisted friends and family members, including playwright Cole Escola and actor Brandon Flynn, to walk in his show. Oldham also involved his uncle and grandfather in painting a backdrop for the space, highlighting the familial aspect of his brand. The show attracted a room full of fashionable guests, including prominent designers such as Christopher John Rogers and Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada.
Just before his presentation, Oldham received a nomination for the CFDA Award for Emerging Designer of the Year, further solidifying his position in the fashion industry. With his growing recognition and strong network of connections, Oldham has the potential to establish himself as a go-to jewelry companion for New York Fashion Week and beyond. His talent, drive, and relationships within the fashion community indicate that he is poised to create exciting partnerships and collaborations within the industry, similar to the organic collaborations that occurred during his uncle’s fashion career.
Oldham’s unique approach to jewelry design, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, has garnered attention and acclaim within the fashion world. By incorporating personal elements such as his grandmother’s beaded flowers and involving his family and friends in his presentations, Oldham has distinguished himself as a designer with a strong sense of community and creative vision. His ability to create a cohesive brand world that includes both jewelry and clothing sets him apart in the industry and positions him for continued success in the future.
