Solange Knowles recently recorded a song for RAIN – Coca Cola’s Replenish Africa Initiative. The program – created to improve water sanitation and fresh water sources – will take place in 19 African countries including South Africa, Kenya and Zambia. Check out the video below to hear the song performed by Solange in collaboration with Chris Taylor and Twin Shadow.

Ajak Deng is proving more and more everyday to be one of fashion’s newest superstars. More of her i-D magazine spread under the cut.

The Sudan born Australian model has been on a hot streak since last year’s shows in Paris. She’s walked for everyone including Chloe, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Lanvin. She’s also featured in the latest CK One Spring 2011 ad while being featured in numerous magazines. Above is her spread from the February 2011 issue of i-D magazine shot by Emma Summerton. Be sure to follow her on Twitter, here.

“The Life Rhapsodic” spread in the March 2011 issue of Vogue US featuring models Ajak Deng, Chanel Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Arlenis Sosa, Joan Smalls & Anais Mali with actor Anthony Mackie, singer John Legend, dancer Savion Glover, writer Colson Whitehead & dancer Antonio Douthit. Always refreshing to see men with style. Check out the behind the scenes video under the cut.

The Vogue spread showcases the new Bohemian look alongside men in the arts prominent in each of their fields. Behind the scenes, contributing fashion editor Edward Enninful breaks down the inspiration of the shoot.

Liberian singer Nyna Touch covers D’Banj “Fall In Love” + Beyonce “Crazy In Love”.
Be sure to follow Nyna’s blog & Twitter.

Ethiopian supermodel and actress, Liya Kebede was featured in the March 2011 issue of InStyle magazine.

The African beauty was shot by photographer Gianpaolo Sgura & styled by Brad Goreski – former assistant to stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe. All of the pieces are from the Jil Sander Spring 2011 collection. Very colorful and bold – perfect for spring. Liya looks amazing in these vibrant colors!

What do you think of the spread? Haute or not?

PHOTOS: Per Brad’s Blog

In our first edition of Haute Honey, we chatted with recent college and Nigerian beauty queen Abby Aikhionbare about what inspires her and what makes her haute.

What’s your name?
Abieyuwa Aikhionbare

What country do you rep?
Nigeria (Edo-State)

What do you do for a living?
Working with non-profit organizations throughout Florida, promoting and organizing community events.

Three words that describe your style.
Glamorous, Classy, and Girly

Who is your favorite African designer?
Nigerian designer, Deola Sagoe. Her designs are glamorous, couture and so classy to me. I love how her designs are for women of all shapes and sizes.

Where do you like to shop?
I shop everywhere! But some of my favorite places are private boutiques and my absolute favorite is H&M; !

Who’s your style icon?
Without doubt my style icon is Beyonce Knowles. Despite the fact that she’s my favorite entertainer, her style to me is a mixture of Fierce, Elegant, and Classy with a hint of Sexy! I love it! and like I often tell people, her style simply gives me life!

What inspires you?
I am inspired by Beauty, Love and Positivity! I couldn’t see my life without the three.

What makes you a Haute Africana?
I think my personality and my sense of style is what makes me Haute!

African proverb or quote you live by?
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires”
— Nelson Mandela

There was lots of tangerine & fuchsia with pops of yellow with variations of black and white prints. And while the clothes were off the charts – flowy skirts, interesting knits and jackets and with sporadic appearances from dressy pants & shorts – the winners in the collection were the accessories. The headpieces were unique – a sort of hat with headtie tendencies. The shoes were bright and strappy and the bags came in casual everyday or evening clutch options in suede and leather. Jewelry? Delicious. Belts? Excessively necessary. And the booties were beautifully done in gorgeous hues and made of suede pulling the entire collection together perfectly.

Desert Flower is the story of Somali model Waris Dirie. Starring Ethiopian model Liya Kebede, the film is based on Dirie’s best-selling book (written in 1998).
After fleeing Somalia to avoid an arranged marriage at age 13, Dirie was discovered at local McDonald’s by renowned photographer Terence Donovan. Her story is truly inspirational and brings truth to the saying “you can have anything you want in this world if you’re willing to pay the price.” It’s amazing how much Kebede looks like Dirie. The movie also stars Sally Hawkins and Anthony Mackie and was directed by Sherry Horman. Desert Flower – which was originally released in 2009 in 20 countries – hits select US theatres March 18.

Underground favorite – BOXING KITTEN – recently released their Spring 2011 collection. Per usual, African prints were fluent paired with adorable silhouettes and eye catching numbers.

From rompers to dresses and jackets, the collection screams spring with vibrant colors and resilient prints. Separates like the Santana Motorcycle Jacket and the Sue Cut Out dress are sure to become instant hits. Pieces from the collection are now available on their site as well as accessories (they have some marvelous bows, headpieces & more!) Sure to sellout before summer, the Boxing Kitten Spring 2011 collection is indeed a winner.

Korto Momolu Spring 2011 per APTV Now. The collection was impressive and amazing…video under the cut.

The Liberian born designer just keeps getting better and better since she made her national debut on Bravo’s Project Runway. Favorite pieces? That amazing cocktail little black dress and the impeccably made tops. Her pieces are always so fluid. Check out the video below with a sneak peek of the collection. For more coverage be sure to visit APTV Now.