As Oxford Fashion Week arrives once again Katherine MacAlister talks to directors Carl Anglim and Tiffany Saunders about its growing global appeal

Oxford Fashion Week has spread its wings and gone global, with runway shows in Paris, London, New York, LA and Houston in 2015.

Operating under the new guise of the Oxford Fashion Studio, Carl Anglim and Tiffany Saunders’ vision knows no bounds.

And with Milan, Dubai, Hong Kong and Berlin next on their hit list, they have proved that OFW is worth exporting.

We caught up with the glamorous duo as they prepared for Oxford Fashion Week to find out just what has been going on.

“We had got to the point where the designers we showcased wanted to show their collections with us twice a year which we accommodated, and the spring OFW was our most successful to date,” director Carl tells me.

“And then we thought why not do the same thing in other cities and put our shows on the ground there, so we tackled the big four – LA, Paris, New York and London – and for the past two months have been touring the globe showcasing our designers at the existing fashion weeks all over the world.

“It meant that our first ever runway show outside of Oxford was in New York.”

So how was OFS received? “We were amazed how welcoming people were and how smoothly they went. We had to hit the ground running and there was a lot to sort out but we were doing what we have always wanted to do and had great audiences and support.”

“We have done 60 shows using 300 designers. We weren’t just turning up and trying to crack the market – we are a capable and experienced team.”

Showcasing 20-30 designers in each city, OFS found that the designers would usually bring their pieces in person, and OFS often brought their own models, especially in Paris.

“It’s an exciting time for us,” Carl confirms. “But what’s great is how proud we are of starting it all off here in Oxford and representing the city. It’s where we take risks and experiment, which resulted in our more memorable shows such as The Birds of Paradise or Genesis, and finding great new local talent.”

Now back to demonstrate what they do best with the autumnal OFW, Carl continues: “Oxford has been our incubator.”

If you want to take part in OFW, you can catch Plum Sykes, former contributing fashion editor of American Vogue at her talk on Fashion & Feminism tonight at Turl Street Kitchen, enjoy the Fashion Illustration Workshop at the Jam Factory tomorrow led by Helen Cauvy.

Or buy tickets for the fabulous runway shows on Saturday, at The Sheldonian, firstly the Ready to Wear Show followed by the now world famous Couture Show in support of MND Association, and a fundraising reception at Modern Art Oxford.

“Last season we featured runway shows at the Randolph Hotel over two days. This season we have secured the Sheldonian Theatre with a capacity of five times that so have decided to schedule our designers into two shows with both taking place on Saturday,” Carl explains.

“We have gone from delivering four runway shows in a single venue last season to delivering 16 runway shows in six cities around the world this season. But the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford is arguably the most awesome setting of them all.”

So how do the OFW team feel about their achievements in 2015? “It’s been an incredible year and a massive adrenaline rush having to make so many decisions. There was no guarantees any of the shows would happen or work but it was wonderful when it did. We are still coming down to earth,” Carl adds. “But Oxford is always special and having the couture show at the Sheldonian feels just right.”

GO ALONG
Oxford Fashion Week Runway Shows take place at The Sheldonian Theatre on Saturday. Tickets from £12.50.  The Fashion Illustration Workshop takes place at The Jam Factory tomorrow 7-9pm. Tickets are £17.50. Fashion & Feminism with Plum Sykes, former contributing fashion editor of American Vogue, is 
tonight at Turl Street Kitchen 6-7pm. Free.
See oxfordfashionweek.com