Back to Africa: Rapper M.I.A.'s Ethnic-Inspired Line

No other female in hip-hop swags like British rapper M.I.A.. The Sri-Lankan beauty, who was nominated for both an Oscar and a Grammy this year, just dropped exclusive pieces from her namesake clothing line for hip NYC boutique Opening Ceremony. In case you're not up on M.I.A., you may remember her as the polka-dotted pregnant chick who performed 'Swagga Like Us' alongside hip-hop heavyweights Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and T.I. on her due date. (She delivered a boy two days later after being rushed to the hospital straight from the awards ceremony). It was a momentous occasion the uber pregnant rapper could not miss. The catchy chorus of the song is a sample excerpted from her hit 'Paper Planes,' which was also nominated for Record of the Year at the Oscars. The song is on the soundtrack for and played prominently in Best Picture Winner "Slumdog Millionaire".

M.I.A. with Lil' Wayne and Jay-Z at this year's Grammys

M.I.A. was raised in London and currently resides in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY so her clothing collection cites global influences from her worldly travels. The jackets, tees, hoodie and lycra jumper are inspired by Islam, Mexico and Africa.

M.I.A. is on to something -- last year Kimora Lee Simmons wore a traditional African gown to the Met gala and R&B songbird Christina Milian was seen out recently wearing a pair of hip African print pants. MIA's personal style has been deemed so fresh in hip under-the-radar fashion circles that Missbehave magazine, where she was once a cover subject, put together a style retrospective that shows her ethnic-influenced fashion choices.