One Night Only: 'Royal Oak' Explores Fashion And Intrigue On Stage At SCC

Coming to the Southampton Cultural Center (SCC) on Monday, July 25, is “Royal Oak,” in a one-night summer preview show. Written and directed by Justin Vibbert, the first-of-its-kind production features a full play and a couture runway show.

“It’s built right into the middle of it, right into the narrative,” Vibbert said, of the runaway show element. “It acts as a shift in the story. [...] The idea is that we use a new designer, somebody who typically wouldn’t be able to have their show at fashion week. So a new designer or a young designer or someone who’s maybe from outside the country.”

First premiered at the Gene Frankel Theater this past winter featuring a streetwear line by Gabriel Bullion, “Royal Oak” will be heading to the SoHo Playhouse to coincide with New York Fashion Week, in September, and then Miami’s Art Basel. In each run, the play remains the same, but different designers come on to showcase their work.

The play tells the story of Meriweather Oak, the head designer and co-founder of the biggest couture house in New York, the House of Oak. Oak makes fine work especially for a select group, but that business model is becoming outmoded, and unprofitable. With his house failing, he faces a choice to go retail— to sell out — against his wishes. A double-crossing colleague complicates the action.

“It’s a noir mystery that takes place in a fashion house,” Vibbert described.

“Royal Oak’s” inspiration comes from real life, and a real inside look at the fashion world. Vibbert was working as a journalist when got a tip about drug trafficking at a major New York City fashion house. Undercover, he got a job there and found that the cocaine wasn’t the most exciting part.

“I found that while [the trafficking] was sort of an interesting angle, the people inside the house and their relationships and the politics within the fashion house ended up being a far more interesting story,” Vibbert said.

While drugs play a minor role, what really takes center stage are the complex interpersonal dynamics between the members of the House of Oak.

“At the end of the day, it’s about a man trying to save his artistic endeavor from selling out,” Vibbert said.

“Royal Oak” begins at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 25, at Southampton Cultural Center, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton. Tickets include a cocktail reception with the cast and director. To purchase, visit scc-arts.org.