Custom Fashion and High-End Boutiques Thrive in Oxford, MS

Blue Delta Jeans

In a world of mass production, businesses like Blue Delta Jean Co. and Village Tailor prove that the unique charm and custom quality of a product can thrive in smaller cities like Oxford, Mississippi. Blue Delta co-founder Nick Weaver and Village Tailor owner Marla Miller agree that Oxford’s blend of a supportive small community and the energy of a major college town provides an ideal foundation for commerce.

The Perfect Fit

Nick Weaver co-founded Blue Delta Jean Co. in 2012 with his childhood friend, Josh West, who shares his passion for the simple joy and long-lasting comfort of a custom pair of jeans.

“We make a true one-of-one product,” says Weaver, explaining that they take 16 measurements and draft each client a personal pattern.

Currently, the company sells in 110 cities globally and has been present in nine different countries this year. However, the only brick-and-mortar store, Blue Delta Studio, is located on the Square in downtown Oxford.

Here, clients can be measured by a tailor and select the fabric, thread and style of their jeans, or browse for outerwear, hats and custom leather belts.

As the company grows, Weaver says the studio has become “a trophy case,” showcasing photos of celebrities, musicians and professional athletes who have all become loyal clients and friends.

With such a successful business, it’s tempting to assume a bigger city in another state would serve as a better home base. Weaver says otherwise, noting it was always important to him and West to keep the company based in its roots.

“Oxford has developed in such a positive direction over the years and has always been good to the small business owners even as our brands have grown,” says Weaver, seeing the size of the town as an advantage that allows it to maintain a small-town feel in a southern college community.

“This keeps visitors loyal and attracts tourists looking for southern hospitality alongside the energy of our sporting events, art and music festivals, fine cuisine and world-class shopping,” he says.

Back to the Boutique

Marla Miller’s childhood was filled with visits to Oxford for football games with her family and day trips to enjoy the high-quality shopping and food reminiscent of big-city experiences. Still, no memories top those of her time as a student at Ole Miss, working at Village Tailor, an upscale women’s boutique featuring designer brands of apparel and accessories.

After graduating in 2015, Miller obtained her real estate license and thought her time selling fashion in Oxford was behind her.

Fast forward to 2022, and Miller is now the owner of the very shop where she once worked, which is thriving more than ever, with an expanding online business.

“Village Tailor has been a staple on the downtown square since the 1980s. Upscale and contemporary shopping just works in our small town,” Miller says.

She explains how the college attracts many out-of-state students and their families each year.

“I think shopping in a town like Oxford makes each person’s experience more personal,” Miller says. “We have a lot of fun in the store and love meeting all of our customers. Oxford has a lot to offer, and it is only growing.”

There’s No Place Like Oxford

Because of the town’s captivating charm and consistent support of local businesses, both Weaver and Miller agree that anything is possible in Oxford for young professionals looking to start or expand their businesses here.

“It’s a difficult task to achieve, but Oxford leaders and business owners work well together,” Weaver says. “There are so many incredible people in this town who work tirelessly to preserve the small-town feel while increasing jobs and quality education. Truly, Oxford is one of the most unique places in the country, let alone the South. Anyone could start here and be something great.”