Adriana Lima in Controversial Photo Shoot with Donna Karan 2012 Collection

What do you get when you mix Donna Karan, Adriana Lima and a photo shoot in Haiti with photographer Russell James? A fierce backdrop with stunning poses in elegant wardrobe.

“Discover the beauty and inspiration,” says the Donna Karan inspired campaign slogan.

Although the photo spread is sexy and classy in nature, fans of the fashion house were consumed by the image of two Haitian men in the backdrop of picture #2, looking less than moderately fashionable. Why did fans have a problem with that? Because at first glance it ‘looked’ like a wealthy millionaire seated in front of two less fortunate people in poverty was slightly suggestive.

Shot on location in Jacmel, inspired by the work of Haitian artist Philippe Dodard, the two Haitian men in the backdrop represent culture. Look closely, if you notice, one of the men (the one on the left in a plain orange shirt) is staring away from Adriana Lima… while the other gentlemen (the man on the right) looks directly at her. The man looking at Adriana Lima is wearing a stylish designer shirt with a similar perception/color-scheme to the outfit Adriana Lima is wearing.

What does that mean? The Donna Karan Spring 2012 collection is inspired by the rugged nature of fashion in Haitian culture.

What do I think? I think the campaign is hot, risky, bold and daring. I don’t take negativity and run with it. I’d rather take positivity and use it to turn on the lights.