Everyone can wear fashion, but the gift of style is intuitive for William Okpo owners and bush wick residents Darlene and Lizzy Okpo
by Sarah de Brun
You don’t have to dive deep to discover the story behind women swear brand William Okpo. Sister duo Darlene and Lizzy Okpo debuted a collection of ready-to-wear in 2010 that was too delightful and self-sure to be characterized as quirky, yet teetered just on the edge of unconventional appeal. Inspired by their chic father, William, who was more than happy to shop for and style his four children, the women started their line as an ode to him—naming the brand to give credit where credit was due.
Mr. Okpo moved to America in the mid-’70s. During formative years in Nigeria, he would work with a tailor to customize his clothing; influenced by the American disco era (and specifically
James Brown), he incorporated fabrics from his father’s textile business.
Decades later, the sisters are pulling from that heritage and family tree, as well as the Caribbean (and maybe even school picture day) to bring to life clothing that is so genuine it nearly has a heartbeat. (According to apartment therapy. com, they also share an 875-squarefoot Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment, styled in a fashion described by the two as “Caribbean Cabana.”)
Okpo’s silhouettes are contemporary and geometric, falling with a flattering feminine grace. The brand’s optimistic color palettes and patterns mix, a daring move that requires innate talent. Collections are funky, never tacky, and as energetic as the borough the sisters thrive in. The aim is to “illustrate the unique aesthetic that results from the juxtaposition of the immigrant’s sense of style against American cultural sensibilities,” they explain. “Offering the modern feminine designs with touches of masculine elements.”
The gift of wearing William Okpo is partly the sensation of becoming an honorary part of the family, as if Darlene and Lizzy have constructed each piece just for the wearer. The clothing they create is instinctual, and a reflection of simple happiness.
From global fashion and lifestyle curator Opening Ceremony snatching up William Okpo early in its existence to collaborating with Solingen Knowles on a far-out sneaker during her first collection as art director and creative consultant for Puma, Darlene and Lizzy have left their mark in a way that’s somehow more profound than the trendy fashion scene. The women also co-own the New Orleans curated boutique Exodus Goods (along with pals Amina Massa and Knowles herself), and have become Tumbler favorites for girls who long for their covetable hair styles and
The aim is to “illustrate the unique aesthetic that results from the juxtaposition of the immigrant’s sense of style against American cultural sensibilities.”
wardrobe. The confident women Darlene and Lizzy regard as muses are the same ones who are inspired by them—a style circle of appreciation you don’t find very often between designer and clients.
Now five years after the label’s birth, the company recently christened a flagship brick-and-mortar in the Seaport District of Manhattan at 6 Fulton Street, (the boutique’s neighbors, Brother Valles, happen to be close friends). The store’s interior design steals pointers from Darlene and
Lizzy’s home, with plenty of wooden accents and a blaze of natural light. The homey ambience is yet another Okpo antidote to traditional fashion intimidation.
William Okpo
6 Fulton Street, Manhattan / 212.482.8869
williamokpo.com