First…

As far as collaborations go, adidas Originals and Wales Bonner is always an SO2 fave! Collab number four is no different! British-born, Rock-blooded designer Grace Wales Bonner sought inspiration this time around from the West African country of Burkina Faso.

The shoe collection presents two elevated riffs on the adidas Country silhouette and sees the return of the WB Samba sneaker, a highlight of the inaugural collection – in two bright colour updates.

Shot by Jalan and Jibril Durimel — who were born to French-Caribbean parents in Paris — and styled by Tom Guinness, the collection is brought to life by a vibrant campaign that celebrates togetherness and connection. The adidas Originals by Wales Bonner Spring/Summer 2022 collection became available globally on June 4.

Photography: Jalan and Jibril Durimel

Styling: Tom Guinness

Models: Karoung Mendy, Daniel Christian, Binta Diacko, and Melody Lulu-Briggs

Then…

The 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund officially kicked into high gear last week. This year’s 10 finalists — which includes international fashion designer Felisha Noel who has Grenadian roots — gathered at the New York offices of Vogue to present their collections to the selection committee which included Global Editorial Director of Vogue Anna Wintour and fashion designer Aurora James. The ocassion marks the first meeting of the programme which grants funding and mentorship to each of the finalists.

Next…

Hollywood actress Kerry Washington is leading the way!

The Rock-blooded actress, who rose to fame as Olivia Pope, the shrewd political fixer of the Shonda Rhimes-created political drama Scandal, is demure in pink Christopher John Rogers as she covers L’Officiel USA’s Summer 2022 issue.

Washington opens up to New York City-based writer Alessandra Codinha about conquering network television, and now finding herself in the plum position of seemingly being able to do pretty much whatever she wants. With a full slate of new projects, a busy production company, and a commitment to activism, Washington is ready for her next adventure.

Words by: Alessandra Codinha

Photography: Texas Isaiah

Styled: Katie Bofshever

Hair: Larry Sims

Make-up: Kara Yoshimoto Bua

And…

The Toronto-based designer Kathryn Bowen talks textiles, tailoring, and collaborating with beauty and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian with writer Naomi Skwarna for Montréal-based luxury fashion, tech leader and cultural resource Ssense.com.

No stranger to SO2, the Canadian designer’s father, Bruce, headed Scotiabank Jamaica for several years.

Story by: Naomi Skwarna

Photography: Aaron Wynia

Also…

Jamaican dancehall and reggae superstar Sean Paul’s new album cover for his 16-track album Scorcha is all over Spotify’s billboard in Canada. The dancehall album landed on May 27, with cameos from a slew of famous faces including Ty Dolla $ign, Gwen Stefani, Sia, Pia Mia and Shenseea. While the album is already pulling in rave reviews, Sean Paul’s look for the album cover, with creative direction courtesy of Jamaican-blooded stylist Savannah Baker, was nothing short of ‘rude-bwoy’ suave.

This year marks 20 years since his breakout second album, Dutty Rock, took the syncopated, bass-driven genre of dancehall global with hits Get Busy, Like Glue and Gimme the Light. In the ensuing years, Paul has had three US no 1’s, a Grammy and collaborations with the biggest names in pop, including Beyoncé, Dua Lipa and Little Mix.

Photographer: Charlotte Rutherford

Graphic Artwork: Chadwick William Makela

Stylist: Savannah Baker

Additionally…

Onyx Orisagbemi, the son of London-born Jamaican stylist and photographer Savannah Baker and grandson of GeeJam boss Jon Baker and German-Jamaican model Ziggi Golding, makes his modelling debut as beverage brand Ghia reintroduces the childhood-inspired Italian sweet drizzable treat Ghianduja. Orisagbemi was lensed by photographer Kobe Wagstaff, with creative direction handled by friend to Jamaica, Bailey Hunter. Hunter’s daughter Valentine Zuzu is Onyx’s co-star for the ad campaign.

Photography: Kobe Wagstaff

Creative direction: Bailey Hunter

Set design: Robert Ziemer

Food styling: @thisisfoodstyling

Plus…

Last weekend was loaded with talent and fashion statements from Rock stars on the international scene. Grammy-nominated singer, rapper, and label chief Protoje showed out for this year’s staging of the City Splash Festival in custom SS22 Blue Quilt collection from Jamaican-blooded, London-based menswear designer Nicholas Daley. City Splash Festival is an annual celebration of music, food and culture in London that highlights reggae, dancehall and Afrobeat.

There’s More…

Jamaican-born, Milan-based fashion blogger Tamu McPherson delivers in a campaign for Italian fashion house Etro. McPherson stars alongside fashion names like Alton Mason, Valentina Ferragni, Sabrina Carpenter, Elsa Hosk, and more, for the weekend-long shoot in Capri, Italy.

The fashion blogger turned up the fab factor in a number of looks from the brand including pieces from the latest collection Liquid Paisly. The Liquid Paisly colour palette involves an emblematic paisley pattern in striking hues of candy pink, emerald green, and sunny yellow. The capsule collection features ready-to-wear pieces such as outwear button-ups, accompanying pants, shorts and top combos, bucket hats, sundresses and handbag accessories.

Etc…

Saint International model Winston Lawrence covers Modern Weekly Style in look 74 from Louis Vuitton SS22 menswear collection. The model posted photos from the shoot to his Instagram page, referencing fashion icon and the late artistic director of Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh — who died in November last year — in said ‘fit.

Finally

Jet-setting cardiologist and tennis enthusiast Claudine Lewis was spotted Thursday last courtside at the 2022 Roland Garros Tournament cheering on American tennis player Cori “Coco” Gauff. SO2 went to press prior to Saturday’s final but naturally, like Lewis, we are Gauff fans! This year’s championship kicked off on May 16 and wraps tomorrow, June 6.