New York, part 3 - William Okpo

Lizzy and Darlene Okpo named their clothing line after their father, with a mission of exploring and paying homage to the way their parents mixed American influences with their Nigerian roots. I wish I knew the specific idea behind the spring '13 collection, because the displays of oranges and astroturf the models posed on reminded me of Southern California more than anything else. The clothes themselves were pretty, basic, and not too precious. Lots of collars—peter pan and otherwise—and short fitted things that I liked (cf. chambray crop top with grommets and lacing GET AT ME); but also baggier silhouettes and more masculine shapes, things that that might look strange on the rack but are very cooler-than-thou when thrown on with clashing sandals or brogues (cf. disaffected shop girls hunched over laptops). The stiffness of the fabrics made even the draped silhouettes seem open and geometric, creating the kind of airy look that is perfect for warm weather but might require some serious thought when it comes to underwear (cf. the romper above HOW'S THE BREEZE?)

The clear vinyl laceups really stole the show—the line would just not have looked as cool if everything was styled with cute heels or quelque chose comme ça. Everyone was freaking out and taking tons of pictures. Apparently these velskoen (a predecessor to the modern desert boot) are a collaboration between Okpo and the Nambian shoemaker Herbert Schier. I know from personal experience that vinyl footwear can make your toes feel like melting Rolos rubbing together, but the plastic shoe trend seems to going on for another season, so I'll be contemplating socks as well...