Donna Karan Spring 2012: Tribal Motifs, Inspired by Haiti
Donna Karan spent the last year traveling to Haiti and her resulting spring collection, titled “The Artisan Stroke,” was heavily inspired by what she saw there. “My two worlds come together…translating the vibrancy of tribal elements into sophisticated, sexy urban clothes,” the line sheet read.
The collection–tribal-printed cotton canvas dresses with flared circle skirts, appliqued body-con shifts, ruched silk viscose jersey dresses–was anchored in an earthy palate of browns, blacks, bones and clays and seemed particularly poignant given the inspiration. The standout pieces for me were the floor-length stretch jersey evening dresses as I thought they best infused Donna Karan’s classic relaxed feminine elegance with the tribal theme.
