Oxblood Zebra Debuts at NYMD
On the morning of September 11th, 2025, anticipation buzzed through the halls of New York Men’s Day (NYMD) as editors, stylists, and buyers filed in for one of the most talked-about debuts of the season. At 10:30 AM, designer Reuben Shaw presented his brand Oxblood Zebra for the first time at NYFW, unveiling the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “Off-Script: The Rule Breakers’ Uniform.”
A Confident Debut at NYMD
NYMD has long been a launchpad for fresh voices in menswear, and Shaw embraced the platform with confidence. Instead of easing into the industry with something subdued, he delivered a collection that set the tone for what Oxblood Zebra represents: rebellion with refinement.
Models walked the floor in looks that defied formula — blazers cut with sharp precision but softened by draped trousers, coats layered asymmetrically, and shirting that blurred the line between polished tailoring and deconstruction. Each outfit carried a duality: structured yet restless, classic yet experimental. It was clear Shaw wasn’t here to blend in.
The Rule Breakers’ Uniform
The theme of the collection was more than a slogan — it was Shaw’s mission statement. “Each garment is a contradiction, a protest in fabric, a story stitched by a man who refused to follow the blueprint,” he explained. That sentiment translated directly to the runway: clothes that rejected uniformity while redefining what a uniform could mean.
This was menswear designed for the multidimensional man — someone who embraces tradition but refuses to be confined by it. In the current fashion landscape, where individuality and authenticity drive style, Shaw’s message felt perfectly timed.
Footwear That Grounds the Rebellion
Adding depth to the presentation was Shaw’s collaboration with heritage footwear label Florsheim, whose craftsmanship anchored the collection. Models stepped out in the
Duke Bike Toe Zipper Boots — retailing now at $165 — along with Milano Moc Toe Bit Loafers and the enduring Riva Moc Toe Bit Loafers. The footwear, shown in black and cognac, balanced Shaw’s avant-garde tailoring with classic polish, underscoring the collection’s theme of rebellion supported by structure.
Atmosphere and Audience
As the crowd leaned in for every look, the energy in the room was electric. Industry veterans, influencers, and emerging creatives alike nodded at Shaw’s willingness to take risks in his debut. The soundtrack pulsed with a mix of hip-hop beats and experimental rhythms, reinforcing the collection’s spirit of defiance. Photographers pressed forward as models strode confidently, embodying the manifesto Shaw stitched into each piece.
The reaction was immediate: Shaw had arrived, and he had something to say.
Why This Debut Resonates
In a week overflowing with shows, Shaw’s presentation stood out not just for its design, but for its clarity of vision. NYMD has always been about the future of menswear, and Shaw’s debut proved he’s part of that conversation. By positioning Oxblood Zebra as a label for men who live off-script, he introduced himself with the kind of conviction that signals staying power.
The Verdict
Oxblood Zebra’s first showing at NYMD was more than an introduction — it was a declaration. Shaw didn’t just debut a collection; he debuted a philosophy. With “Off-Script: The Rule Breakers’ Uniform,” he positioned himself as a designer ready to shape the evolving language of menswear, one contradiction at a time.
In a season filled with strong debuts, this one demanded attention. And if Shaw’s NYMD presentation is any indication, Oxblood Zebra is not just a new name on the calendar — it’s a new force in fashion.
Photo credits : agentry PR