We’re still waiting for Spring to arrive for good in this part of the world, but this doesn’t stop my adventurous mind from dreaming of far-flung romantic places. Ralph Lauren is once again center stage, because no one can imagine a world of romance and elegance quite like Ralph Lauren. Inspired by the brand’s classics, today I turn my attention to the safari shirt, an essential item for the spring-summer wardrobe.
Often enough, a feminine outfit appeals to me, but the truth is that my style usually resorts to a more utilitarian look, a balance between masculine and feminine. The safari shirt embodies just that: an active-spirited style, casual, but classy, “a romantic symbol of elegance and adventure”. I think it’s enough to describe why it is so perfect for the warm season. Inspired from the military style and presenting a few distinctive elements, like large buttoned-flap or bellows pockets at the chest and sometimes epaulettes and adjustment sleeve tabs, the safari shirt usually comes in white or all the shades of the desert. It’s a piece that, through its practicality and extreme simplicity, will never date.
I love these cinematic images, hinting of colonial Africa, that conjure up a vintage travel theme, the art of travel as captured in Norman Parkinson’s photography and which transport me to movies like Mogambo (1953) and Out of Africa, set in the early 20th century, the golden age of travelling. Have a good week!
photos: 1st collage (clockwise, from top left): 1-Ralph Lauren Spring 2009 campaign / 2,3-Ralph Lauren Spring 1984 campaign / 4-Ralph Lauren Spring 2002 campaign / 2nd collage (clockwise, from top left): 1-Cass Bird, Maiyet Fall 2012 campaign / 2-Ralph Lauren safari campaign, circa 1980s / 3-Carter Smith, Louis Vuitton Travel 2010 campaign; styled by Antje Winter
Am totally ready for Spring! Xo
The safari shirt … a classic.
Love that last photo. It reminds me of Kristin Scott Thomas in The English Patient.
I thought of the Out of Africa as soon as I saw the first images – great minds, right? As for the shirt – I simply love it. I’ve always had one, as long as I remember. There’s something very precise and beautiful about the pockets and the way sleeves are rolled up and secured. And I do adore the 2009 campaign photo – I think 2009 is one of my favourite years when it comes to fashion and collections.
Have a wonderful day!
x
The first thing that came in my mind when I read the title of this post was Out of Africa, Ada. I like a safari white shirt and I think it can solve each girl’s outfit problem 😉 at least for a girl with a colorful wardrobe. Have a nice evening, Ada 😉
i agree with all of the above. i don’t know why but a safari shirt looks good on everyone, doesn’t it? it must be the possibility of adventure and a classic look combined. i looooove that fourth photo, gorgeous!
Love the safari shirt…it’s such a classic and elegant look!
Hi Ada!
Oh, you really grabbed me with this one. I have always loved RL’s safari inspired collections – classic with an adventurous flair. And so stylish!
Wishing you a great week ahead. xo
Hello Ada!
Lovely post. I love the African inspired photo’s of course
My mom has a very similar style to this – she always says that even though it might be considered masculine, it is so feminine at the same time.
xxx
Classy, feminine and sexy! I have always liked the style.
Happy new week to you Ada!
ox, Mon
Love this post Ada! I need a good safari shirt or two for my wardrobe, it’s such a classic. Hope all is well!
xo Mary Jo
I love it. And it makes me want to go to Africa.
ARCHIVE