SS14 | NYFW - William Okpo

images by yours truly!
During my first month in NYC last fall, I was invited to my first ever presentation during fashion week for the relatively new label William Okpo.  It was such a welcoming gesture and it really made my freshman year of college (so many thanks to Danika!)  Today, the quirky brand continues to present fashion in innovative and unconventional ways, as evident in their latest spring summer 2014 collection, which was shown with Opening Ceremony's BTW series at "super pier" Pier 57. 
The designers Lizzy and Darlene Okpo have a real knack for pulling off proportions in all the right ways (look at their past seasons and you'll see!). Hem lengths were longer than the usual thigh-high miniskirt or shorts that pervaded the New York runways but maintained an aura of street cool. When I entered the venue, I was immediately drawn to the volume and cut of that red tank top paired with the slim fitting bermuda length leather shorts. The muted blue color with a sea of white and hint of red made for a stunning color palette. Also, look at those super rad "face prints" all over the collection! The adorable graphics were inspired by illustrations in barber shops that the Okpo sisters saw during a trip to Senegal. 
Personally, I think one of the best parts of the collection its tie to charity, as they teamed up with 14 Plus NYC, an organization that builds and develops schools and orphanages in rural African communities. The Okpos created a capsule collection of monochrome tees and totes featuring the fantastic print, with all proceeds going to the 14+ foundation. Talk about an amazing marriage of fashion and philanthropy. 
Find out more about 14 Plus NYC & view and shop William Okpo capsule collection here!
xx
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NYFW | William Okpo SS13

all images shot by yours truly!

I was recently invited to attend the WILLIAM OKPO Spring Summer 2013 presentation uptown at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, held on the fifth floor of one of the dance studios, where the city/skyline view as the sun set was absolutely breathtaking.. 

Founded by sisters Lizzy and Darlene Okpo and named after their father, William Okpo is a unique label that melds their rich ethnic and American identities into one. 

The unique set for the presentation was designed by Opening Ceremony's very own visual designer, Elise Durbecq. The composition of turf, dirt, and real oranges gave off an organic feel, contrasting with the streamlined look of the sleek mirrored sheets and cube pedestals. As the models made their way to their positions, they stepped in and out of the wooden crates of dirt, scattering specks of it all over the ground. 

Reflecting the design of their set, Lizzy and Darlene Okpo's collection was an earthier approach to common evocations of the spring season. A recurring motif of woven laces was scattered on cropped tops, trouser fronts, and on the side of a darling dotted dropwaist dress. Minimal hardware was the way to go in this collection, with a mere two pieces containing metal buttons and zippers. Even so, the zippered vest with lapels layered over a denim was a chic and completely wearable look, as I have been increasingly seeing moto-inspired looks on the runways this season. 

The stars of the show, however, were the double collared sleeveless blouse and the dual-tone asymmetrical skirt. I am a huge fan of white dots on navy and collars, so I couldn't resist instagramming and snapping away at this model. The pumpkin and khaki hue of the layered skirt was fantastic in the orange glow of the sun. 

HAIR/MAKEUP

The teased updos were done by Creative Director Aaron Grenia and owner Laurent D from the esteemed salon Privé, while Aveda's Global Artistic Director Janell Gleason went for a natural, toned look punctuated with a bright matted orange lip. 

The eye-catching white nails and an accented foil nail were done by manicurists from Manicube. 

FOOTWEAR

In collaboration with Herbert Schier shoes, an established Namibian shoemaker, the Okpo sisters created these plastic and vegetable-died kudu skin vellies which matched their collection to a tee.

Overall, I thought that their spring palette of light and dark chambrays, cream, white, pumpkin, and navy was unexpected (I generally associate warmer and darker colors with fall, but that's me) but phenomenal. 

EATS

Guests also enjoyed  cupcakes by Meg's Sweet Treats, which matched the night's color scheme, in creamy, bite-sized Blue Velvets, Carrot Cakes, and Dark Chocolates. VOGA Italia Moscato was paired with the sweets (none for me, hehe). 

It was a true honor and pleasure to attend the Okpo sister's spring presentation as my first in New York!

STOCKISTS 

- Opening Ceremony - 

New York

Los Angeles

- Cloak and Dagger - 

New York

- End of Century - 

New York

- Village Verve - 

Brussels

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