City Sahara

I am no longer concerned with sensation and innovation, but with the perfection of my style.

- Yves Saint Laurent

Made from a lightweight cotton drill or poplin, the safari jacket was originally designed to be worn whilst on safari in Africa. Traditionally self-belted, it became a large part of the Afrika Corps uniform during the 1950s but it was only after Yves Saint Laurent released his iconic "African collection" in 1967, that this classic khaki jacket was introduced to the general public as an everyday fashion item.

At the time of Saint Laurent's design, the safari jacket was a total outsider, with only one copy made specifically for a fashion spread in Vogue magazine. It embodied the manifesto of liberty that was shaking up the wardrobes of the late 1960s and in the wake of its speedy success, production of the YSL safari jacket was immediately started and sold in Rive Gauche boutiques the following season.

With the menswear market ever evolving and growing here in Australia; made to measure is a great option for creating garments not around or sold currently. Taking a leaf out of Yves Saint Laurent's book, I decided to design my own safari jacket made from an unlined brown linen. I added bellow pockets, a back strap and spalla camicia shoulders to give it a more urban feel.

The safari jacket is a great casual piece, it's more relaxed than a regular sports jacket and looks great paired back with a panama hat. I think that giving classic pieces a unique twist helps to keep your wardrobe modern and individual.