Safari style

Apr 14 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Vicky Pepys discovers a deluxe tourist.

YOU could call it plain ‘safari’ again, but this year’s ‘safari’ inspiration has evolved to become a whole new luxury dressing travel trend. It doesn’t matter where you’re going, or even if you’re going, just as long as you look as if you’re setting off on one long, stylish adventure.

The key to general safari style is, of course, the muted palette and the ever so slightly military pockets and straps and fastenings in serviceable, stylish yet completely feminine designs.

The ‘hunter gatherer’ detailing is largely redundant but terribly smart and serious rather than overtly girly. Add glamorous chunky jewellery and mysterious shades, a bag that really does the business, and create the mystique. If the luxe-tourism trend really appeals, it makes perfect sense to use it as a basis for the holiday wardrobe. Travelling these days is all about weight, so to travel light means making the most of what you’re taking.

With safari, everything co-ordinates, tops and bottoms can be swapped. It’s the bling accessories which may need to be curbed! The muted tones of biscuit, caramel and chocolate are luxuriously lifted with metallics.

And pure white is the ultimate luxury which alas, can only be worn once if laundering facilities are non existent… but look at the colours and how perfect they are against a light natural tan?

They also blend perfectly with this summer’s florals if you can’t bear not to sneak in a little bit of colour into the suitcase.

But all in all, it’s the beginnings of a perfect capsule wardrobe. Want to combat more rugged terrain than the hotel foyer? Then add a couple of pairs of lightweight specialist walking pants and boots with your top half remaining fully accessorised! Work it and it will work for you.

Stockists

Star by Julien Macdonald and Red Herring are ‘Designers’ at Debenhams, MetroCentre, (08445) 616161.

www.freemans.com

River Island, Eldon Square and MetroCentre.

Jesire is at John Lewis (0191) 232-5000.

Wolford Boutique, Eldon Garden Shopping Centre, (0191) 232-2288.

Matalan (0191) 214-0352.

Philip Stein is stocked at Bramwells, Elvet Bridge in Durham and Goldsmiths, MetroCentre.

Office, Newcastle, (0191) 261-7277.

Billy Bags are at John Lewis and Fenwick.