A Rainy Friday Evening Sparkles with Presley Oldham’s Debut at Bergdorf Goodman
Looking for a failsafe cure for a rainy Friday evening? Look no further than a touch of retail therapy followed by a glass of champagne. That’s exactly what friends, fans, and followers of jewelry designer Presley Oldham did as they braved the drizzle to gather on the fifth floor of Bergdorf Goodman. The occasion? To raise a toast to Oldham’s debut at the storied department store and perhaps pick up a pearly treasure to take home for the weekend.
Oldham, standing beside a glass case displaying his newest creations, couldn’t hide his excitement. “We’ve already sold a few,” he shared with Vogue. “It’s been a crazy few months, but this was in the works for years, so I’m thrilled.”
And indeed, Oldham’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. After presenting his first live show at New York Fashion Week in September, he was nominated for Emerging Designer of the Year at the CFDA Awards and became a finalist for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Since launching his brand in May 2020 during the pandemic, his following has steadily grown with endorsements from the likes of Kaia Gerber, Hari Nef, Kendrick Lamar, and Gabrielle Union. Just days before the Bergdorf celebration, Eva Chen even wore a custom Oldham design to the Met Gala.
Dressed in a silky black Frame shirt and J.W. Anderson palazzo pants borrowed from his mother’s wardrobe, a fashion industry veteran, Oldham proudly showcased the Cumulus necklace, crafted from sterling silver and baroque winged pearls. A one-of-a-kind version in 14k gold, created exclusively for Bergdorf’s, will be available through July with hopes of extending its availability.
The stylish crowd in attendance included philanthropist Lauren Levison and her dog Clyde, who happily modeled some of the jewelry, Coach creative director Stuart Vevers, and fellow young designers Christian Cowan and Kate Barton, who have bonded with Oldham through the Fashion Fund program. Actress Denée Benton, known for her role as Peggy Scott on The Gilded Age, was spotted trying on pieces her character would approve of.
Julie Gilhart, who had previously invited Oldham to participate in a Barney’s pop-up featuring emerging New York designers, and Noelle Sciacca, fashion director at The RealReal, also made appearances at the event. Oldham hinted at a new product category on the horizon, as well as a fine jewelry presentation scheduled for September’s New York Fashion Week. In the meantime, shoppers can find his latest collection shimmering on display at Bergdorf’s, a testament to Oldham’s rising star in the fashion world.
