Safari suit makes a comeback

THERE is an old English saying that states that a picture is worth more than a thousand words . . . I on the other hand believe that it actually is more than just numbers. Towards the end of last year 2014, one of my superiors at work asked me to do a piece on the elegant safari suit, which was very common in the late 80s right into the early 90s. It was so common that I remember owning a safari tailored uniform when I was in primary school.

Anyway, I remember reading an article online sometime in May of 2014, where there was a picture of a renowned Congolese musician — Koffi Olomide on his arrival in Uganda for a concert.

If memory serves me right I remember that the article focused much on his sense of style, stating that the musician’s style had sent tongues wagging.
If you really do some research one where some of the most stylish men in Africa are found you will find out that they come from Central Africa.

In my books Congolese men pass for being very metrosexual, with Olomide being one of the alpha metrosexuals from that country. My opinion is that he is a trend setter for people his age, older and younger.

Back to the subject here, the picture in the article, where he wore a suit, not just any ordinary suit… not the usual single breast, two-button, double back-slit or trending slim – fit, he was dressed in a somewhat a rejigged version of the safari suit.

I remember my dad owned a couple of these suits, he was pretty much of a stylish man, God rest his soul.
These safari suits were very much popularised by former Zambian president – Kenneth Kaunda. He was essentially one of the idolised well-dressed leaders of Africa, not to mention our very own well-groomed President Mugabe.

With that suit being made very popular by the former Zambian President and from whom it got its street name in Africa, the Kaunda suit, it was worn by many men of class in the decades gone by.

Many people back then were very much convinced, like I today that the safari suit was the ingenious composition of Kenneth Kaunda.
In reality through my research I found out that the suit dates back to the colonial era – states The Dictionary of Fashion History.

It states that the suit was created for cross-country expeditions: a dun-coloured pair of trousers, with a half-sleeved shirt cut of the same cloth, sporting so many pockets that it resembled(s) a jacket.

If you do have a chance to read through these archives, you will see images of the suit.
According to history it was around 1970 that the safari suit made its foray into the elite African fashion scene for men.
This meant politicians; officeholders and businessmen had this as their identity of class.

For people in their late 20s like me, you will recall that your father too had one or a collection of them – some with trousers shaped like a bell.
As is the norm with fashion the era of the safari or the Kaunda suit, soon took a dip in the ocean and was replaced by more modern suits.
If by any chance you inherited and wear one of those suits you will be viewed as a relic of days past.

It is wiser to have it modified or get a new one entirely.
There have, indeed, been numerous modifications to the safari suit, as we know it from the material then of synthetic fabrics like polyester to cotton blends that make today’s edition.

Some of these suits can now be worn with a neck tie but in my opinion it looks really drab.
Today these suits are worn by the younger generation and perhaps a few stylish older men who wear these on special occasions or maybe just once in a while at the office.

I understand that almost every self-respecting man is rushing to get one or a couple of these to wear to casual or formal events.
So if you do consider getting one I would suggest that you too add accessories to really pull off a distinguished look.

Consider getting a neat classy watch, sun glasses and please make sure you have well-polished shoes . . .

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