Wholesale Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Blog

Whenever we have a really hot trend working its way through the Fashion Field, we often have spin offs from it.  These are stories that relate to the original trend, but which are still different from it. An example of what we’re talking about is the big trendy Africana Story, and its hot spin-off, The Safari Story.

Now, Safari isn’t Africana.  After all, Africans didn’t come up with the idea of going on Safaris, they simply went into the bush to hunt without making it a kind of preppy outing.  Englishmen came up with the Safari, and it then became so popular, it moved quickly as a vacation (or macho adventure) with privileged groups around the world. 

You basically have to be privileged to go on Safari, unless you’re a hired hand.  Safaris cost money, and you’ve always got to have plenty of native experts around to haul your stuff, set up your tents, hunt and cook your food, and – most importantly – just tell you what to do and when to do it.  Otherwise, the lions and tigers and crocodiles, et als, might get more out of the trip than you.

NOBODY WOULD EVER CONSIDER GOING INTO THE JUNGLE WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE SUN HAT.  HERE ARE SOME TO MAKE YOUR SAFARI WEAR REALLY HOT:

• Moroccan straw gambler hat in natural straw for gals and guys alike.

• Lindu straw safari hat with typical pinch front crown.  Can take a beating and still stand up to the weather!

                                             Dressing the Part

Safaris are peculiarly fashionable.  You have to be dressed properly for a Safari, with the right tan shorts and shirt, the right kind of sun hat, shoes, gloves, and possibly, even, walking stick.  In other words, you have to look the part.  Have you ever heard of anyone going on Safari wearing dungarees and a plaid flannel shirt?  Of course not.  And you never will.

If you’re a woman, dressing for Safari gets a little more complicated.  You need the same tan shorts or slacks day outfit, but then you need something white and slightly diaphanous for dinner wear.  At least, that’s what Hollywood bigwigs have repeatedly told us with all the dynamite Safari films they’ve made, and we all know Hollywood knows. 

A quick course in suitable Safari wear can be gleaned from the African Queen, a super yesteryear film with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. It wasn’t exactly on Safaris, but it will suffice. Think of it as Classy Retro.

SOME REALLY GREAT SAFARI WEAR INVOLVES BRACELETS, ANOTHER HOT AND TRENDY ITEM ON THE RUNWAY SCENE.  CONSIDER THESE:

• Elephants march across these silver plated cuff bracelets in raised relief bordered by textured gold plating for rich mixed metal effect.

• Tiger print Lucite bangles in African-inspired black and white design decorated with clear crystals.

                                      Western Interpretation

Basically, Safari wear is western gear with an African theme.  Like scarves with an elephant design. Or zebra striped anything. Don’t mix this up with those extraordinary native African prints.  They are Africana. Safari colors are usually taken from nature, with splashes of orange and pieces of feathers making the On-Now Safari Look particularly edgy. 

SUNGLASSES ARE HOT ESSENTIALS FOR SAFARI. SO ARE SCARVES THAT CAN BE TIED AROUND THE BRIM OF YOUR FAVORITE SUN HAT.  TRY THESE: 

• Leopard print scarves in satiny polyester and chiffon.  Soft with timeless appeal!

• Unisex oversized aviator sunglasses – chic, dark, edgy!

                                              Epilogue

You will probably want to play with a lot more exciting gear to make your Safari outfits complete.  Try big turquoise rings.  Or totes – you really must have a tote. Of course, you would never drag one around with you on a real Safari, but we’re talking about a Safari “state-of-mind” here, and that leaves plenty of room for imaginative maneuvering.

Safari is a fun trend. It is terribly sophisticated. Enjoy it!