For the Spring Summer 2012 collection, Ozwald Boateng invites you into a living picture to share his personal experience of a safari.
“Africa is a spiritual home for me. The heritage of the continent has always been evident in my designs. However with Safari I wanted to create something that truly represented a ‘culture clash,’ the symbiosis of two very different elements existing in harmony”- Ozwald Boateng.
This season’s audacious reinterpretation of a safari takes into account both an appreciation for traditional pieces and a contemporary approach truly adapted to the practical and luxurious style of a modern global traveller.
Summer-appropriate fabrics like cotton-linen blends and washed suede added rustic appeal to the relaxed but refined silhouettes. Drawstring linen pants and light cotton shirts signed with the House’s iconic details all help complete a look that is as much about leisure as it is refinement.
True to the DNA of the House, colour is explored and represented in a new and innovative ways, drawing inspiration through the medium of art. The vibrant colour palette reflects Ozwald Boateng’s vision, painting a picture of the vast African landscape. Bold terracotta and orange shades inspire images of the burnt red soil, cracking under foot, contrasted with the rich greens of lush vegetation, stark white and the deep indigo hues of a pinpricked African night sky.
From the re-imagining of camouflage colours to the reworking of the traditional safari jacket and stone shirt, the collection evokes a sense of the fiercely practical utilitarian. In contrast, the understated elegance of the 2-piece mohair evening suit identifies the House’s dedication to the sharp silhouette synonymous with British sartorial sensibilities. The tailored short suit, made with precise craftsmanship, is a key look for this Spring Summer 2012 collection.
The accessories range stays loyal to the spirit of the collection, combining luxurious materials with an essential functionality. Constructed in exquisite cracked calfskin leather, the luggage range comprises of practical pieces with statement items, such as the oversized 48-hour bag, an essential for the modern traveller’s needs. The adventurer pith helmet gives way to the ten-gallon hat, fashioned in smooth fur-felt,
while beaded jewellery pays tribute to the Masai culture.
Ozwald Boateng Spring Summer 2012 collection is a nod to an emotional journey that brings a Man back to his spiritual roots.
