OqLiq, a menswear brand from Taiwan, hosted their first-ever NYFW show on February 5, at Spring Studios.
Fashion lovers eagerly waited in a standby line wrapped around the block in anticipation for the possibility of gaining entry into the brand’s first show. The sleek spring collection, titled Omni Direction, was alllll about the street style and showcased outerwear pieces centered on technical designs with new-tech materials. These looks are perfect for your next trek up a mountain, or just your next trek to the coffee shop five blocks from your office. You will be looking fresh when the barista calls your name at the counter. This collection had everything from trench coats to vests, oversized pockets, curved zippers, and creative hemlines. Colors included olive, navy, grey, charcoal, and black. Most fabrics used in the collection are high-tech and recyclable materials such as Polartec, nylon, poly and cotton. To get a good idea of the style, think REI, but trendy (and ten times the price).
The creators of Oqliq, Orbit Lin and Chi Houng, do not come from traditional design backgrounds and did not receive fashion design training. Lin has a background in internet engineering and Houng has a background in fine art. Their unusual backgrounds have allowed the pair to come into the industry with open minds and a willingness to experiment with different sustainable fabrics. OqLiq is “with the times” and took a gender-neutral approach to their show, featuring one of the looks on a woman. It’s 2020 people, okay? Women go on hikes too! I mean, not me, but still.
Notable guests of the evening included New York Giants’ Julian Talley and VH1 Black Ink’s Joshua Whittaker. Francesca Curran, who plays “Skinhead Helen” in Orange is the New Black was also in attendance. Maybe she’s looking to update the orange jumpsuit?
