Sisters with soul Darlene and Lizzy Okpo created William Okpo as an ode to their Nigerian immigrant father’s style. Their Nigerian-American upbringing has inspired their line of soft but masculine pieces, including billowy jumpsuits and bell bottom pants.
A look from the sisters’ Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Self-taught designer Maya Lake, the woman behind the Boxing Kitten line, lends a retro touch to traditional African wax block print fabrics. The end result: an “ethnic rockabilly” style, with patterned pencil skirts and cropped high-waisted trousers.
A look from Lake’s Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Parsons schoolmates Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs have teamed up to create Cushnie et Ochs, a line of signature body-baring dresses and sharply tailored separates that flatter the female form.
A look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Another look from the Spring 2012 collection.
Twenty-five-year-old French African designer Olivier Rousteing was the underling of Balmain’s Christophe Decarnin and next in line when the designer decided to depart last February. His debut collection for Resort 2012 was a hit, polishing up the wildly beaded embellishments and embroidery the Parisienne fashion house is known for. With just two seasons under his belt, Rousteing has already made his presence felt, bringing out the best in a more refined style while maintaining the boldness of Balmain.
A look from Spring 2012.
Another look from Spring 2012.
