As we edge closer to the summer months the ‘safari’ trend
creeps back into the fashion world. With a mix of animal imagery, utility
casual wear and African style batik prints ‘safari’ is the ultimately daring
summertime theme.
Key designer influences surrounding the safari trend this
year are Kenzo and Edun.
Kenzo’s creation of animal motif sweats modernised with
embroidered emblems are key too this look, but if your cash doesn’t stretch
that far there’s plenty of Kenzofied high street knock offs that you can get
your hands on.
Edun’s use of mixed fabric utility pieces has also majorly
influenced this trend. The traditional tribal print dresses combined military
style pieces gives a contemporary twist on the perennial safari theme.
How to get the look…
It’s easy and there’s plenty of ways you can do it!
They’re some amazing pieces on the high street this year
that you can spice up your summer wardrobe with. Look out for prints featuring tigers,
giraffes, elephants and zebras as well as safari landscape imagery and reworked
African style fabric.
Safari is also a great casual wear trend. The spirit of the
safari is rooted in street wear pieces including statement sweatshirts and new
era style caps.
Co-ords are massive for summer 2013 and not just within this
trend, match it up with printed tapered trousers or formal joggers with
bralettes and the infamous crop top. Use a variety of prints, be daring and
clash your patterns.
Don’t be afraid to go for the original multi pocket safari
shirt, you can find reworked pieces using silky or tencel fabrications. Look
out for the newest shirt shape of the season, the half sleeve boxy style in
plain colours or prints.
Camouflage is still around, but has been given a new lease
of life in sandy ‘carhartt’ style desert tones and has been reworked in mini
scale and scratchy textures.
Team your over-sized camo jackets with a cute cotton
sundress, which are everywhere this summer. Some feature cut out detail for
those that dare to bare or if you’re more reserved you go for a mid length
style known as the ‘midi’ dress.
Layer dunagrees, playsuits or work wear pieces over printed
tees and shirts. Key shapes are pinafores dresses and high waisted jeans or
shorts incorporating a 90s feel.
Key colours within this trend are pretty obvious with desert
sand, leaf green, tiger orange and burnt amber mixed with bright patterns,
clashing prints and flashes of neon.
Accessorise it!
Don’t hold back on the accessories you can really go all out
with this trend. Get yourself a tribal backpack or woven duffle bag if you want
to dress things up you could opt for a bright printed clutch bag.
Mixed media belts and printed sunglasses are perfect to team
up with your outfit.
Jewellery is key, follow the rule “the chunkier the better”
and you’ll do just fine. Statement necklaces, stacking your bangles and fitting
a ring on each finger are all ways you can dress it up.
When picking footwear go for an electric mix of prints and
textures. Look for printed or woven uppers on flats and platforms, also keep an
eye out for some chunky wooden heels and animal print detailing.