NYFW Spring 2012 - William Okpo RTW Runway Review

Not long ago, we brought you a first look at William Okpo's Fall 2011 collection, dominated by solid grays and blacks.

On Friday, September 9, William Okpo set their direction for next season at the GEN Art show. Spring is decidedly lighter - a sheer, airy white dress and a pair of outstanding sheer navy paper bag pants, for instance. 

Denim and a textured brown print add a dose of edge. Cutout details and cropped tops and pants bare a little flesh and a sleeveless white shirt is contrasted with an asymmetric patterned collar. Colours range from a soft pastel yellow seen on one of the collection's three jumpsuits, to white, and even red.

In all, a commendable effort from a promising label.

- SLiq

Photos via WWD

Look Book: William Okpo F/W 2011

Darlene and Lizzie Okpo

A new season means new William Okpo offerings -- this time, the wools and greys of winter dominate but by no means dull it down. There's still a bit of room for fun with the variety of lengths and the separates that lend themselves to mixing and matching. Granted, we are not lusting after as many pieces as we did with previous collections (our must-have piece here is the trench below), but we remain William Okpo enthusiasts for their pulse on themed, visually coherent collections and their re-invention of classic, staple pieces come sun or snow.

Good news for William Okpo - not only did they create pieces for Lauryn Hill's summer tour, the label has also been selected to show their Spring 2012 collection at GEN ART's Fresh Faces in Fashion event celebrating the next generation of fashion talent. More information here.

What do you make of their latest collection?

- SLiq

Photos:

William Okpo

Shop For Less/Sneak Peek: William Okpo

Not long now until the debut of William Okpo's F/W 2011 collection. We spy a linen and wool trench (above, via Fader) and an abundance of greys and blacks; but while we're waiting for the big reveal, there's a pretty good Opening Ceremony sale on last season's pieces. If you're in need or want of not-so-basic pieces (like the maxi sheer black dress with asymmetric sleeves, or the mini flower child piece), you should take advantage of the pocket-friendly prices before they go for good.

[Was $345, now $104]

Eager to see what's coming this fall? Watch Fader's sneak peek here.

- SLiq

Shop For Less: William Okpo + Suno NY

The definition of "African Fashion" continues to expand to incorporate many, many definitions - from "tribal" and "ethnic" print to a more global all-encompassing aesthetic, to "Made in Africa" as a brand and movement in itself (e.g. Suno NY, Asos Africa), to the conscious incorporation of culture and tradition, and African designers in Diaspora who continue to upturn strict definitions, "African Fashion" is having quite a field day. Not convinced? Opening Ceremony has pieces from Suno NY and William Okpo, the former being predominantly made in Kenya and the latter being the brainchild of two sisters born to Nigerian immigrants and inspired by an "interplay" between "American cultural sensibilities" and an "immigrant's sense of style". Whatever you make of this diversity, we're certain it points to a new trend that will continue to sustain and re-invent itself for a while to come. While you ponder what "African Fashion" means to you, you may want to consider buying one or two Suno and William Okpo pieces from Opening Ceremony's ongoing sale.

Shop here and here.

XO

Spotlight: William Okpo Spring/Summer 2011

Seems like just yesterday we introduced WilliamOkpo to you in the first installment of our Discover Series. And now, they're back with a Spring/Summer 2011 collection that's light, sheer, two-tone, easy and has us longing for warmer days. Here are our five top picks:

a) This look reminds us a little of Alexander Wang's once ubiquitous leather/denim jackets. We love the contrast between heavy and light and we especially love that the sleeves are sheer.

b) Same as above but this look is particularly unpretentious, unfussy and good-to-go.

c) We've been obsessed with sleeveless collared shirts for a minute. Love the effect.

d)  The perfect maxi dress. Well, almost perfect -- we'd like one with long sleeves too, please. GORGEOUS.

e) We're digging this boho chic dress. Very modern flower child.

f) BONUS: Okay, we know we said 5, but we just couldn't leave this one out. What's Spring without a trench, and this particular trench for that matter?

See the entire collection here and shop their first collection at Opening Ceremony here (ongoing sale!).

XO

Discover: williamOkpo

 

 [L-R: Darlene & Lizzie Okpo]

 We're constantly fascinated by Africa's wide reach and the work of Africans in Diaspora. You've heard of the Bunmi Kokos and Eyolas of this world -- today, we present you with a less familiar name but one you'll probably be hearing often soon, williamOkpo. Named after their father, Darlene and Lizzie Okpo have created a collection that plays with lightness, softness and crispness in turn, showcasing what they dub the spirit of immigrants in America who retain the essence of their style rather than "assimilate". We love the interplay of texture and sheerness and the cohesiveness of the looks -- especially commendable for a first collection, might we add. We also love that their pricing isn't too far left for their pieces to be banished to our wish lists forever. For your viewing pleasure:

Shop the collection via Opening Ceremony and read this interview to get to know them a little better.

XO

Photos of collection: williamOkpo

Photo of designers: whatsupbrahh

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Our Discovery Series introduces our readers to little-known designers of African origin around and outside Africa as they slowly build momentum and position their brands to be "the next big thing".