Of all the emerging musicians making waves in the music industry, U.K.-bred singer-songwriter Oyinda appears to be one of fashion’s favorites. Since releasing her debut EP Before the Fall in 2014, Oyinda has accumulated a global fanbase of devout music lovers that are attracted to her alternative afro-futuristic R&B music, and fashion designers who are inspired by her graceful body movements and experimental style, which mostly consists of all-black-garments from emerging brands. As a part-time unsigned model, Oyinda has already worked with brands Telfar, Christopher John Rogers, Chromat, Barragán, Luar and Eckhaus Latta (which designed her favorite pair of black jeans) to bring their designs to life in striking visual campaigns and experimental live performances.
Oyinda’s relationship with fashion has developed rather organically. Through chance meetings and Instagram DMs, she has created lasting relationships with brands that continue to tap her for collaborations season after season. Brands alone are not the only ones who have recognized her elevated fashion sensibilities. She’s also appeared in fashion spreads for Puss Puss Magazine and King Kong Magazine, and has been featured in over a dozen other fashion magazines. From starring in CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Christopher John Rogers’ most recent lookbook to performing at Telfar’s Fall-Winter 2019 show last September, Oyinda has shown that music isn’t the only creative medium where she shines, and that the love that the fashion industry has for her is definitely reciprocated.
In the second installment of CFDA’s new “Muses” series, Oyinda shares details about her collaborations with some of the CFDA’s top emerging names and how music has played a big role in these collaborations.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpPkJuel7lu/
How did your relationship with Christopher John Rogers begin?
That was a very fortunate start. It was one of the rare chances I check, or even see, my DMs on Instagram. Christopher hit me up because he was casting for his Spring-Summer 2019 presentation and wanted to find out if I would be around. I was back home in London around then, but was planning to fly back in for fashion week so he kindly worked around my schedule. He was also shooting for his lookbook a couple of days prior, and asked me to do that as well. That day was madness! It was really fun, but quite intense for me as it was my first time being a part of multiple shows for fashion week. That day I was shooting all 24 looks, then had to run to Shanel’s Spring-Summer 2019 presentation to make the call time and get my hair rebraided. I remember RUNNING while eating a donut and getting icing smeared all over my cheeks. Hahaha, it was a pleasure.
How was it performing at Telfar’s Fall-Winter 2019 show?
I keep saying it was baptismal when asked this, but there’s no other way I could possibly express what that experience was for me. I felt anew after that show —more so than any of the others. I was back at Irving Plaza where I had opened for my big sis Kelela (who I met through Telfar/the Autum-Winter 18 show), and back with the people I love. I sang while crowd surfing —which I’ve never imagined myself doing, let alone during a fashion show. I was literally embraced and uplifted by those nearest and dearest to Telfar. It was bliss.
How’d that opportunity come about?
A Telfar show is always a family affair. That was my third show actually, and I am always extremely grateful to be a part of them. Before fashion week had started, I met up with Telfar, Babak, Jeremy, and Avena to talk music and view the collection. The theme, of course, was Telfar ‘Country.’. We just hung out while listening to a bunch of black soul and gospel. Babak played me a song by Curtis Mayfield called ‘Jesus’ which seemed to be the most relevant to the theme rather than being overtly ‘Country’. I wasn’t familiar with that particular song, but when I looked into the album the tone of the show started to make more sense to me. “There’s No Place Like America Today”: What would that mean presently? Babak was really keen on the last verse so along with Jeremy’s monologue there was a lot I needed to finesse so that the transitions could be smooth and purposeful.
What element do you think live music brings to fashion shows?
I think it makes shows more enveloping like how 3D renderings help make a visual more immersive, or a score of a film helps viewers sink into the scene. It makes the mood clearer and allows the audience to truly feel the collection. It allows for a more emotive experience.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnjabvHlVkN/
What makes you decide to work with a fashion brand/designer?
I have to enjoy the wardrobe or want some in my closet otherwise what’s the point? If I’m not a fan then why bother? I genuinely like the brands or the designers I’ve gotten a chance to work with. I’m not going to force anything. There’s plenty more on my list, but baby steps.
What type of clothes/styles are you attracted to at the moment?
I’m usually a fan of black regardless of the season, but I’ve been drawn to colour and prints lately. I love a sheer long sleeve print like a vintage Gaultier or Asai’s line. Sometimes I just want to feel like a stained glass window walking down the street.
How does your performance wardrobe differ from your everyday wear?
My performance wardrobe is definitely more daring. I’ll be as loud as I want to on stage, and off I like to be more of a chameleon. I like to be comfy in my day to day. Even if I’m in an outfit that’s more bold during the day, I know I could still flop on the couch in it for a power nap back at my flat.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwfC1hIFrtH/
What are your plans for this upcoming NYFW?
To NOT bust my ass walking in the Manolo Blahnik’s for Christopher’s show, and to have fun with any opportunities that pop up. I know whatever Telfar’s planning will be a blast, and I’m looking forward to Chromat’s 10 Year Anniversary show. Not sure what else I have confirmed, but I’m really looking forward to what comes my way. I’m not with an agency so I’m not plugged in to when the castings are; it makes moments like these more surprising.
Who are some of your fashion muses?
Aaliyah always and forever. She’s the kind of entertainer I aspire to be. She had an ease about her that cannot be replicated. Grace Jones is another. She taught me I could wear what I want regardless of the occasion. All that matters is your mood. Naomi too. She ruled the 90s supermodel era for me.
