Designer Harley De Oliveira Debuts Fashion Show: "Power of the Future Fashion."

Harley De Oliveira is a Brazilian independent fashion designer who lives in New York. His work is at the meeting point of art and sustainability. Harley makes clothes based on the desire to cut down on textile waste, using the phrase "passion + fashion = Harley." He fights textile waste with bold new ideas and upcycle couture. On February 15, 2025, at CPR NYC, we saw his first solo runway show, "Power of the Future Fashion."

He showed off his vision with clothes that were bold, sculptural, and unapologetically experimental. Each uniquely handcrafted piece is a wearable argument for sustainability and innovation. He says he turns waste such as bottle caps, plastic table cloths, orange mesh plastic bags, recycled toys, and dead stock fabrics. and even LEGO bricks into high-fashion statements. He is using the different colors, shapes, patterns, and textures of nature as inspiration his designs. The shapes often have uneven pleats, corseted shapes, and layered deconstruction, which show off both technical skill and a sense of fun rebellion.

Lego Dress worn with fearless energy by @itss_malaysia

A Playful Collision of Fashion and Childhood: The LEGO Dress

Redefining Avant-Garde Style

The LEGO Dress is a wearable sculpture that merges art, play, and design. The dress is a riot of color and texture, made from hundreds of interlocking LEGO pieces. The material palette consists of standard a variety of shapes and pieces, and a LEGO figurine combined with plastic bottle caps. The dress features a structured A-line cut, a squared-off neckline, broad shoulders, and a doll-like effect. The skirt flares out slightly from the waist, creating a youthful sensibility. A pale pink fabric hem frames the bottom of the skirt, adding a touch of softness. It's a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the enduring appeal of play. Malaysia is delivering a fearless energy here—a mix of elegance and edge that says: “Yes, I’m wearing art. And I know it.”

@m0rgancraft wears the look like a quiet revolution.

The Thoughtful Rebellion

The garment surprisingly blends rigidity with softness, clashing materials and shapes. The garment has a translucent white mesh foundation with asymmetric sections for movement and dimension. With a cropped vest in a bright navy-and-cream plaid, the outfit has a rustic, even academic feel. Puffed, sculptural sleeves in muted khaki add dimension and surrealism to the clean, contemporary lines. Ties and exposed seams suggest deconstruction and workmanship, as if the dress is becoming—half clothing, part concept. It seems like a garment that defies tradition with delicacy and deliberation, communicating innovation and restraint.

Harley's work pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion by using unexpected materials, dramatic textures, and sharp tailoring. It also blurs the line between costume, sculpture, and ready-to-wear. Every piece has a story to tell, some of which are about defiance and some about reinvention. Bravo, well done and congratulations!