Safari. A fashion trend that’s been showing up on the spring runways for the past few years and has me wondering if those trendsetters take time to test the functionality of the rugged theme before they send it down the runways. Those who think that safari-goers actually sport the garb that’s gracing the pages of major fashion magazines should take trip to the Serengeti and see how unlikely it is they pack their tan Missoni shorts suit. Yes, safari-inspired fashion is rustic, stylish and a bit mindful of an old movie you would see on AMC that both glorifies and paints a romantic picture of the African bush (think Katharine Hepburn in “The African Queen” Classic!) And they did get the color palate right. If Africa were a color, it would be a mix of light blues, grays, tans, yellows and army green like the designs themselves.
However, I’ve been on a safari and I seriously doubt the 6-inch sandal bootie or the tan blazer belted with a wide leather bustier would be the best get-up for surviving in the bush. Reality is that it wasn’t all as glamorous as the runways make it out to be. Unstylish at its best, it was all high-top hiking boots, fleeces, long pants, t-shirts and a wide-brimmed hat that helped endure the long and hot, dusty days.
Bottom line: Save the safari theme for your daytime shopping trip on Rodeo ladies, and leave it at home on your next trip to the Serengeti. I’m pretty sure the hungry lion chasing you down in the bush wouldn’t stop to consider that your sporting the latest trend from Ralph Lauren’s spring collection. This could be one of the only times choosing comfort over looks could be a lifesaver.
One Response to “Safari Style Exposed”