EDITORIAL
OXANA DE CASTRO
INTRODUCING ART INTO STREET FASHION
FOXYLAB
She was born in a little Russian town and later on moved to New York. At the time, her job experience has been with smaller companies in the construction and real estate fields.
She’s always had an interest in fashion and that was definitely visible - she dressed quite different from everyone else, considering the industry she was in. She’s been jokingly told multiple times that she should have a career in fashion instead of construction.
In fact it was a dream. As time passed, the feeling that something was missing deepened. One morning she woke up and decided to stop pushing her dream away and follow her calling. She has no knowledge about the ins and outs of fashion business, but lots of aspiration to do it.
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Moevir Magazine May Issue 2020 featured edition
[OXYLAB NEW YORK]
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1789844
Publication Editor/Photographer: Alex Dani @alexdanifotografo
Fashion Designer: Oxana de Castro @foxyoxyy
Photographer: Daria Gladkova @gladkova.ph
Art Director: Andrey Andreev @andreevarton
Male Model: Josiah Roise @Josiahroise
Male Model: Shawn Leys @shawnleys
Female Model: Alex Mcdonald @alexshedsherskin
Female Model: Leon de Primavera @americavaldess
Male Model: Nicholas Nikiaidan @nikiaidan
Female Model: Fang Fang @Fangfangruose
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Tell us something about you. Maybe your life, profession, habit, dream.
I was born in a little Russian town and later on moved to New York. At the time, my job experience has been with smaller companies in the construction and real estate fields. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and that was definitely visible - I dressed quite different from everyone else, considering the industry I was in. I’ve been jokingly told multiple times that I should have a career in fashion instead of construction.
In fact it was a dream of mine. As time passed, the feeling that something is missing deepened. One morning I woke up and decided to stop pushing my dream away and follow my calling. I had no knowledge about the ins and outs of fashion business, but lots of aspiration to do it.
Could you share how do you expand your vision of art, fashion?
At the end of the day, art and fashion are the same. Where there is fashion, there is art - but art in its pure form has less boundaries. Both are tools for self-expression and give you a non-verbal voice to show who you are and how you feel.
Here at FOXYLAB, we are focused on creating a bond between art and fashion. One of our goals is to support artists and create unique garments that are wearable art. The line between art and fashion is often blurred and we show that in our collections.
Is art, fashion important in your life? Why?
They are both incredibly inspirational for me. An ongoing exploration of yourself and the world around is made through prism of art and fashion. It was important for me to start a brand that connects both worlds in one. A brand where we create with artists and every single garment is treated like the art piece it is. Art and fashion help people to express joy and other emotions that couldn’t be expressed verbally and that’s exactly what we want to do with our brand - help people feel free and joyful.
Do you have any problem on the way of your profession? How did you solve it?
The main problem in the fashion industry is environmental waste and pollution. Sustainability has a special place in my heart and I am mindful about it in my everyday life.
FOXYLAB’s solution to the issue is producing high quality pieces that will be in good condition after many washes and wears. Also, we have an upcycling program in place where we introduced the “Eternal Beauty” dress line. These dresses are unique and made in a way where we attach the bottom of a vintage dress to a top that was created by us. By doing so, we significantly minimize production waste that decrease environmental pollution. Plus, it creates unique, one of a kind embodiment pieces.
I am fascinated by this idea and am planning to develop another upcycling program targeted towards creating unisex pieces.
Where your inspiration comes from?
My main channel of inspiration is traveling. Meeting authentic people, encountering anything that shows authenticity always encourages me to create. Another goldmine that opens the doors for imagination, creativity and inspiration is to practice inner stillness, peace of the mind and finding that true connection with my inner self.
Art exhibitions, street art and fashion in itself are all major sources of the inspiration as well.
How often you create new works?
We release a couple of artist collaborations per year. Our latest collaborative project is with Skott Marsi, who creates very bold, bright pieces. Another exciting one is coming up. It’s ready to launch and will feature someone with a very different style than Skott. We are planning to start work on the campaign for this collaboration as soon as quarantine is over and social distancing isn’t as crucial as it is right now.
In regards to our “Eternal Beauty” line, this is an ongoing project that never stops. We are constantly looking for good quality vintage items and always creating new dress pieces.
