Friday Fashion: Kerry Washington for Vogue Italia

I've been seriously crushing on Vogue lately (US, Paris, Italia) - checking each of their websites way too often. But if I didn't, I'd miss out on gems like THIS, a beautiful editorial featuring actress Kerry Washington. The 60s-inspired styling perfectly suits her classic looks and the designer duds are equally amazing.

Looks: (1) Max Mara silk blouse and stretch pants. (2) Roberto Cavalli animal print silk jumpsuit. (3) Dior satin silk dress. (4) Genny silk shirt. (5) Valentino silk bustier dress. (6) Dolce & Gabbana jacket, top, and pants.

Images: Mark Seliger, Vogue Italia

Friday Fashion: Yiqing Yin Haute Couture F/W 2012

Early July marked Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. I'm always eager to see the imaginative concoctions of the world's top designers. Of course, the shows were beautiful – Elie Saab, Armani Prive, John Paul Gaultier, etc. produced noteworthy collections. But I'd like to introduce you to a lesser-known couturier, Chinese-French designer Yiqing Yin.

Of course, I didn't love every look; but some of them were really fascinating. Others, downright pretty. The collection featured incredibly intricate pieces like the one above. The details and edges seem reminiscent of a paper sculpture. In fact, Yiqing notes, "I’ve always loved arts and crafts until I went to arts school. I thought I would become a sculptor, and then I encountered textiles and discovered their sensual quality." Conversely, the ombre pieces below floated down the runway with an airy ease.

The finale look, Cage, was both familiar and completely alien at the same time. The coloring and materials remind me of a peacock. The bird becomes the cage? I'd definitely put this in the "wearable art" category. And although she looks completely naked beneath, I'm surprisingly not offended.

I'm looking forward to more of Yiqing's work. Can't wait to see what Spring has in store.

Images: (1-3, 5) Soji Fugii, (4) ImaxTree

Friday Fashion: Moroccan Glamour

I'm in absolute awe of the latest collaboration between Kelly Framel and Jamie Beck. Utter and complete gorgeousness! I love every picture. The Selma Hayek-esque model is amazing, the clothes are spectacular, and the photography is slammin'! Have I used enough adjectives yet? Seriously, check out the complete feature on Jamie's and Kelly's respective websites. The following is just a taste of what the two have created.

Images:Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg for The Glamourai

Friday Fashion: Joan Smalls Covers July Issue of W

The girl is gorgeous. And now, Joan Smalls can add "W Magazine cover girl" to her impressive list of modeling accomplishments. Next month, she shares the cover story with fellow model Karlie Kloss. Both girls dazzle but Joan steals the show in designs by Balenciaga, ODLR, DVF and others. She was definitely born to do this! Perhaps, the next Tyra or Naomi - I think our Joanie is just getting started.

Above: Smalls wears Bulgari 18k white gold and diamond necklace (around arm). Below: Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière black silk jumpsuit. Oscar de la Renta white silk georgette blouse with black satin ribbon necktie. Derek Lam shoes.

Above: Viktor & Rolf silk shirt and pants. M&S Schmalberg flower headpiece; Pomellato 18k gold earrings; Marcus & Co. at FD Gallery antique gold, enamel, and emerald necklace; Tommy Hilfiger belt; Diane von Furstenberg by H. Stern 18k yellow gold ring. Below: Dolce & Gabbana cotton and silk blend ruffle-detail blouse.

Images and details: W Magazine

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