An aesthetically pleasing medley of rich brights, bold details, and ethnic inspiration best describe the debut label, Suno, the clothing brainchild of textile entrepreneur Max Osterweis. The Spring/Summer 09 collection is a playful ode to the women of East Africa and downtown New York as, incidentally, production takes place on both coasts. With the help of highly skilled sample and patternmakers in New York City’s garment district and talented artisans in small Kenyan workshops, you get one-of-a-kind, authentic pieces that incorporate vintage Kenyan kengas with contemporary silhouettes. The outcome being barely-there minis, leg-baring jumpers, sleeveless dresses, off-the-shoulder blouses, and lightweight, fitted blazers, plentiful in color and print, akin to wearable art.

GALLERY: Max Osterweis for Suno