The artist-singer M.I.A. became famous on the London club circuit in 2003 with her underground hit single “Galang.” She has an outspoken personality and her music actually has depth - All these qualities work in her favor. This is probably why Marc Jacobs has chosen M.I.A. as his new face for his Spring/Summer ‘08 collection. Also on deck to star in Marc Jacobs S/S ‘08 ads, Harmonie Korine and Victoria Beckham, who has recently earned the distinction of Worst Dressed Celebrity of 2007 by Mr. Blackwell. So what was MJ thinking? His choices has made a stir in the fashion community. I myself am a little perplexed about the whole thing and I am most definitely having mixed feelings about the campaign. I guess controversy does build awareness!

M.I.A., shown here is wearing Marc Jacobs upcoming ’90s menswear-inspired threads, photographed by fashion photographer Juergen Teller, who also shot Meg White, of the White Stripes, in 2006. How androgynous - actually, it’s kinda sexy. Even though M.I.A. is now posing for luxury designers, I still prefer her in her tie-dyed ’80s t-shirts….and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her music.

Sunny Shum, Your Industry Insider