Friday Fashion: Adriana Lima for Donna Karan Spring 2012

The last stop on our international tour is the island nation of Haiti, the setting of Donna Karan's spring ad campaign featuring Adriana Lima. First, let me say, Adriana looks G-OR-GEOUS in these photos - like a sexy she-wolf on the prowl.

Next, and perhaps most importantly, is Donna Karan's spring collection, which takes its inspiration from Haiti. Many of the prints and patterns are based on the work of Haitian artist Phillippe Dodard. Donna says, "Every piece is a work of art – Philippe’s art, which is bold, voluptuous, a stroke of emotion – and in our clothes, a stroke of the body, whether expressed in a tribal palette or the ultimate graphic black and white."

"Bringing awareness to Haiti has become a personal passion. For Spring/Summer, it was also my creative inspiration, bringing my two worlds together. This campaign, shot in Jacmel, infuses the vibrant spirit of Haiti into a sexy New York sophistication." – Donna Karan

See more photos including a look behind the scenes at DonnaKaran.com

Images: Russell James for Donna Karan

West Elm’s South Africa Collection

Continuing my appreciation for all things design-y from (or inspired by) the Continent, may I present West Elm's South Africa Collection. Launching this week, the collaboration showcases 16 South African artisans and includes an array of furniture, bedding, dinnerware, and accessories.

One of my closest friends is absolutely in love with SA. I can tell by the way she stresses the word "looooove" when referencing the country. Her reasons vary but I can hear that same passion when Creative Director Vanessa Holden explains West Elm's decision to produce the collection:

We felt so strongly about South Africa, we wanted people to be able to sit on it, eat out of it, and observe it.

Sounds like SA is the place to be! But since airfare is astronomically high (I checked), a few inspired pieces from your local West Elm store may temporarily satisfy.

The collection also includes limited-edition, discovered objects like the beaded Masai chokers and bird sculptures (shown above). Each Kuba Crescent Bench is one of a kind and covered in a traditional Congolese textile made of hand-woven raffia.

Like what you see? There's even more online!

Images: West Elm

Friday Fashion: Sub-Saharan Chic

It’s almost been a year since I last blogged about one of my favorite fashion trends. Specifically, the African-inspired prints and silhouettes gracing recent runways. From super sexy to pretty and playful, here are some looks for Spring/Summer 2012.

I know there’s some controversy surrounding the West’s latest embrace of African fashion. Even attempts to name the trend have been a bit dicey (e.g., “ethnic” vs. “tribal” vs. ???). As for me, I’m just happy to see the beautiful motifs of sub-Saharan Africa presented in such a glamorous way. Like a gospel song on a pop music radio station, I love when things I love go mainstream.

As a gal who’s been wearing lapa skirts and geles since the 90s, I’m ecstatic that I can dust off my old duds and be considered fashion-forward. The irony is totally working in my favor!

 Like the look? See more on hello sukio.

Images: Burberry, Stella Jean, W Magazine, L.A.M.B.

Friday Fashion: Ethno Chic

Alejandra Alonso, photographed by Mariano Vivanco, embodies ethno chic in this Vogue Russia editorial. I absolutely adore the prominent use of African headwraps, which I wore myself a decade ago. Trend alert: African-influenced textiles and ethno chic design (a la DVF's home collection & fabrics by Iman) are making their way to a home/closet near you!

If you live in DC and want to model a chic headwrap this season, check out Africa Underground at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art on May 20th. Among the event's many activities is a headwrapping demo by Deniece Moudou.

via Fashion Gone Rogue