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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