Ginnifer Goodwin is one of my favorite characters on Big Love [1], and she doesn't disappoint off the set either. I love the way that her basic black skirt and sheer top, which she wore at the Dolce and Gabbana flagship boutique opening [2] earlier this week, is given an updated twist, thanks to these unexpected tribal beads.

I was inspired to create a room that employed the same style strategy: basic black, with a tribal twist. In much the same way that Ginnifer has updated her classical black with tribal beads, the Jayson Gilt Kuba Chair [3] ($2,695) is a classically shaped, antique French chair that's been upholstered in vintage African Kuba cloth. Unexpected and elegant — just like Ginnifer.

To see how this chair figures into my look, .

I stuck to pieces with elegant lines and luxe materials (think: velvet, wool, lacquered wood), and then added some African-inspired textiles and shapes, with everything anchored by basic black. I think Ginnifer would approve.

[3] [3]