Designer Highlight: William Okpo

darlene & lizzy, lizzy & darlene 

william okpo

sisters and designers
new york

photo credit: refinery 29

I heard about these ladies about 2 years ago, but never highlighted them on my blog.  Lizzy and Darlene Okpo of William Okpo are sisters with amazing style.  I absolutely love their style and natural hair.  Totally feel like Lizzy, Darlene, and I could be the best of girlfriends!  Ha! I would love to get my hands on a piece of  the William Okpo collection, but I can't seem to do that as I searched and searched and could not find a store that had stock.  So, this lovely interview and their tumblr will have to do.  Oh, and the short video below of the behind the scenes construction of their NYFW FW 2013 show.  Enjoy and keep your eye out for more fabulosity from these ladies. 

William Okpo - FW13 from Karim Hajj on Vimeo.

photo credit: refinery 29

william okpo

Rising Stars: Viscera NY & Plutocracy

While catching up on some magazine reading this past weekend, I came across a write-up in Essence on two rising stars. Serita Mechelle Jennings of Viscera NY and Anitra Michelle of PLUTOCRACY are two emerging designers that know fashion and style. 

Serita Jennings of Viscera NY

Viscera meaning "to embody God" in Hebrew is a collection for the confident and full of life. The Spring 2011 collection is full of color and rich fabrics.  Although, the collection is not really my style I am loving her jewelry collection. 

PLUTOCRACY is a collection to show women they can be stylish and unique in "Corporate America" while getting the job done.  PLUTOCRACY is for the modern and on-the-move woman. I love the fabrics and bold colors Anitra Michelle uses and the creative elements of each piece. To me, it is a lovely mix of vintage and contemporary silhouettes. Not sure where you purchase her collection, but will be on the look out. Check out her blog here.

A few looks of the Spring 2011 Collection...

Look forward to seeing more from these ladies...Girl Power!

And I'm off and running...

J.P. Archie

Designer Highlight: Layla Joy

It's Friday....friends!  Happy, Happy, Happy!!!

During my daily blog run,  I came across this post on LoveBrownSugar (be sure to check out her post) about African-American footwear designer Layla-Joy Williams of Layla Joy.  She is an emerging designer based in New York. There are not many African-American footwear designers in the industry, but when I spot one I need to post about it. She designs footwear that can take you from day to night, comfy, affordable, and stylish.  Love that! 

Looking for a great summer shoe, check Layla Joy out! I know I need to get my hands on the Charlotte wedge, and maybe even the Kira wedge.  Oh my!

CHARLOTTE

My favorite Style!



KIRA



JADE



MINTY



Give it up for Layla Joy!

Have a fab weekend!



And I'm off and running...

J.P. Archie