Omni Direction from oqLiq
Fashion has really become smitten with technology. The relationship that’s developed between the two has birthed an era of innovative ideas, spawning in many aspects of the ever changing world of fashion. From production, manufacturing, marketing to wearability; technology has truly captivated fashion’s attention.
Staying in line with this new trend in fashion, OqLiq opened NYFW: The Shows the evening of February 6th with its FW20 collection titled, Omni Direction. The duo designers gave us urban tech vibes on the runway — simple form with focus on function in “ALL” or “EVERY” way. At a quick glance you’d swear you saw these looks before. However, you’d have to pay close attention to the details and get intimate to truly appreciate the subtle urban practicality of the innovative menswear brand from Taiwan.
Focused on technical design and new-tech materials, each look played a part set for the most fashionable hike up a mountain, messenger bike through Soho or brisk walk on the streets of Seattle. Taking a new twist on urban outdoor dressing, Orbit Lin and Chi Houng showcased a variety of simplistic outerwear silhouettes that highlighted a great attention to tailoring, accents like curved zippers on the simple trench, hidden buttons and zippers for convertibility on hoods, and contrasting bold hemlines with narrow asymmetrical lapels. Vests also made their mark throughout the collection, several layered looks - some sleek and simple with singing belts, ribbon detailing and others oversized with exterior pockets.
Inspired by their own Chinese culture, and having an advantage of being based out of Taiwan, the R&D base of high-end technology fabrics; “Omni Direction” represents the versatility and innovation where unlimited possibilities are explored through sustainable, multi-functional fabrications and tradition. You see this immediately at the beginning of the collection with the blue hues dominating the looks; reminiscent of the natural blue dyes of Taiwan. However it’s obvious they were inspired by the deep colors of nature, going from indigos, navy, olive green, grey, taupe, charcoal, to black. Fabrics and textiles used throughout the collection were Polartec ®, nylon, poly and cotton.
This was OqLiq’s first show at New York Fashion Week, and though they are traditionally a menswear line, OqLiq wanted to show support for the inclusivity of gender neutrality in the fashion industry, and had a female walk one of their looks during the middle of the show. The looks were matched with edgy hair and clean makeup looks on diverse, unique models and notable guests who had the chance to view this brand’s debut show included Julian Talley (New York Giants player) Joshua Whittaker (VH1 Black Ink cast member) and Francesca Curran (Orange is the New Black).