Photography by Richard Reens
In the pulsating heart of New York’s creative cosmos, nestled among the urban cacophony, lies the sanctum of jewelry artisan Presley Oldham. As we start to embark on a journey into his realm, we unravel the intricate interplay of tradition, innovation, and the fusion of fashion and music that defines his craft.
Presley’s odyssey expands against the backdrop of a diverse background of influences woven into his upbringing. “I was enveloped in the realms of fashion and art from an early age,” he reflects, tracing the genesis of his creative odyssey. Surrounded by the echoes of sculptural heritage and design ethos, Presley’s formative years were an ensemble of creativity, which laid the groundwork for his future pursuits.
As his trajectory unfolded, Presley found himself at a crossroads of two indomitable forces: fashion and music. “There exists an ever-evolving dialogue between these two realms,” he articulate, illuminating the synergy between the two. From crafting custom pieces for musicians to collaborating with stylists on avant-garde visuals, Presley’s corpus intertwines seamlessly with the rhythmic cadence of the music industry. “I’ve been privileged to collaborate extensively with musicians and stylists,” he reveals, recounting his journey, including a notable collaboration with Sza for her iconic Rolling Stone cover. “I made these antique, beaded, flower arm cuffs that were like vines wrapping up her arms. But that wasn’t a piece that was in my collection, the stylist for that shoot, I know very well, knew that I’ve been working with these pieces and the outfit that she was wearing was this sort of mossy, earthy, bikini…clearly clothes are the forefront but I feel jewelry as well helps further contextualize that conversation, like sure she could’ve just been wearing the grassy, mossy bikini, but having this sort of living thing that’s wrapping up her arm adds a different texture and helps complete the image, complete the tone, show her in a different light. It was also a piece no one else has. So I think there’s a certain luxury that’s behind music and fashion, that’s definitely a shared language…,” he explains. Through these tailored creations, Presley not only amplifies the visual narrative but also imbues it with layers of depth and storytelling.
Beyond being mere adornments, Presley’s jewelry serves as a conduit for self-expression and narrative articulation. “Jewelry acts as a conduit, bridging the realms of fashion and music,” he asserts. “How are you showing yourself, how are you presenting to your fans who have paid to come see you specifically?” This question highlights the necessity of delivering a dynamic performance that encompasses self-expression, stage presence, originality, and more, to ensure ongoing success. For instance, consider Adele’s live shows; draped in timeless elegance and accessorized with classic jewelry, she effortlessly harmonizes her appearance with her musical style. Or how Taylor Swift’s, Swifties, are making bracelets to wear before attending her concerts. This goes to show the harmonious integration of fashion and music, underscoring his innate collaboration and reliance on one another.
Whether it’s infusing a dash of opulence into stage attire or infusing a musician’s persona with a distinctive allure, Presley’s creations bestow an unparalleled dimension to the intersection of the two.
As he gazes towards the future, Presley harbors a dedicated aspiration: to see his creations grace the iconic personas of music royalty. “My ultimate dream is to adorn the likes of Cher and Madonna,” he confides, eyes gleaming with anticipation. With each stroke of ingenuity, Presley inches closer to realizing this aspiration. His vision remains anchored in a trinity of ideals: creativity, quality, and transformative expression, motioning us into a realm where time, tradition, and elegance converge. In the vibrancy of Presley Oldham, beauty transcends the superficial, entwining itself with the essence of creation, awaiting discovery, reverence, and passage through generations.
Presley’s voyage transcends the mere act of jewelry crafting; it embodies a narrative of connection, defiance, and the celebration of artistic expression. Amidst a world of fleeting trends, his work stands as a testament to the enduring allure of creativity and the timeless resonance of beauty. With each creation, Presley inspires us to embrace the enchantment of self-expression, to revel in our individuality, and to unearth the inherent splendor that resides within us all.
