The colorful collection by artist Donna Adi benefits Inner-City Arts.
Chances are, you’ve seen Los Angeles-based artist Donna Adi’s work before, even if you’re not familiar with her name. The creative director, known for her expressive eye motif, use of vivid colors, and sense of humor, collaborates with major brands and has some serious celebrities as fans. But her impressive following isn’t limited to boldfaced names, and her latest partnership is wildly attainable: Working with SHEIN’s incubator program SHEIN X, Adi dropped a limited collection of women’s and children’s dresses, tops, bucket hats, and more on August 24th.
Not only does the SHEIN x Donna Adi collaboration offer her devotees an opportunity to own Adi’s signature playful aesthetic, it’s also a way for the artist to give back to her community, as SHEIN will donate to Inner-City Arts on Adi’s behalf. The Los Angeles-area charity is close to Adi’s heart. “Getting to study art is a privilege that a lot of children don’t receive,” she says. “There are many talented people who grow up and their creativity was never nurtured, so being able to support a program that helps promote art education is really important to me.”
Not only will SHEIN donate to the charity on Adi’s behalf, but the brand is also hosting a contest called Live in Color, which will award five aspiring artists a $1,000 cash prize, plus the chance to see their artwork come to life on SHEIN’s products. Adi’s thrilled that she can impact positive change in more ways than one. “I greatly believe in SHEIN X’s ability to empower young, independent artists,” she says. “I know how difficult it is to start from zero, and it’s incredible that they started a platform to help [artists] gain exposure. The incubator program helps with finances, marketing, community, supply chain, and career support to help them achieve their own art career.”
As for the line itself, there’s *plenty* to get excited about. On the fashion side, you’ll find dresses, crop tops, and slouchy hoodies that feature Adi’s witty designs, such as her squiggly lines, expressive eyes, and bold flowers. Standouts include a pink-and-white off-the-shoulder dress in an eye-catching floral pattern, and a navy crop top printed with lash-fringed eyes that look back at you. Aside from street style, there’s swimwear, and even matching kids’ pieces. And if you’re looking to complete the look down to your handbag and phone case—the one accessory you always have on you—the SHEIN x Donna Adi collab has those, too.
“When I was asked to make this collection, I dug deep into my archives and found sketches from the very beginning,” says Adi. “I wanted to mix past and present. You can see a variety of symbols, doodles and decor that have re-emerged from years ago.” When asked to choose a favorite, Adi said it was impossible to pick, since each design represents a different facet of her art. And looking at this line… girl, we know the feeling.