THE SAFARI JACKET

By Damali and Nii B. Andrews

Is it not appropriate or understandable that those of us with an interest in the plastic arts of contemporary Africa also harbor an overlapping interest in clothing style and interior decor?

Then let us begin by emphatically ditching the colonial connotations of safari tours and big game hunting and focus on the safari jacket (sj).

The sj has been a fashion staple for over fifty years; reference – James Bond and YSL “Saharienne” collection of 1968.

For our tropical weather, the best fabrics are light weight cotton/dacron or linen.

The best colors; tan/beige, cream or olive and perhaps navy.

The specs have remained the same; four patch pockets, epaulettes (shoulder straps) and a belt. The details though separate the men from the boys.

 

Perhaps for those with style, the two symmetrically placed chest pockets are button flapped and two larger patch pockets at the hips are bellowed.

The sleeves have shirt cuffs that can be rolled up above the elbow, and buttoned in place. In the back – a half belt, single vent, and an inverted box pleat to allow for greater movement in the arms.

Why is the sj so useful in our setting?

First, the guidelines indicate that a gentleman should have his waist covered. But since a sportcoat or blazer might not always be entirely appropriate with respect to formality, the sj provides a useful option.

Second, unlined and unpadded, the sj wears a lot cooler than a sport coat.

Tucking in a shirt always presents a better silhouette that can then be polished off nicely with the sj.

A linen shirt (light blue or white or ecru) or possibly a good quality cotton polo shirt all pair well with the sj.

If you opt for head covering then a Panama hat or linen cap should be the preferred choices.

Below – Tan, cream or beige pants…..or blue denim. Feet shod with desert boot or chukka, suede derby, penny loafer; or for je ne sais quoi – spectators, if you have the swag to carry it off.

Of course the ladies are also part of the sj tradition; it has always provided them with a chic and sophisticated (read that as glam) look.

The sj is washable, comfortable and functional.

It’s paramilitary look adds poise while maintaining the classic style silhouette.

……Moonraker, Octopussy, The Man with the Golden Gun, ?The Spy who loved Me…..all featuring the late Sir Roger Moore; he also wore the sj in The Saint and The Persuaders before becoming 007.

“…..it (the sj) will always be stylish because it is so practical. Tough natural fabrics, earthy colours and loads of pockets mean that whoever wears the stuff will always be well-covered and all the bits and pieces will be safely stored; this is the beginning of cool”, opined Nick Ashley- a creative director.

And we concur.

There should be at least one broken in and well loved sj in every wardrobe.