In carefree July days, when the weather draws us seawards or to mountains and rivers, an Irish safari look isn’t about khaki and camouflage, but something equally practical for the bright summer light and long evenings.
On African safaris you are cautioned against wearing black or navy (attracts tsetse fly), loud colours and conspicuous patterns, but journeys into the wild in Ireland, with no dangerous animal encounters to consider, mean you don't need to blend in.
These summer ensembles, shot in Wicklow, are a new take on safari style, a little carefree, a little bit androgynous, yet with a breezy look that sits well against a scenic rural landscape.
Shirt dresses, with or without sleeves, are a summer favourite and jumper dresses are an easygoing choice. The current tendency towards separates and the fuller skirt keeps everything looking modern and avoids the pitfall of falling into a military land girl look. Think utilitarian, but feminine; dresses belted with a scarf, shorts worn with ankle boots, clean cut tops and lots of pockets. Colours are soft, sober and subtle and suit the fair Irish complexion.
The clothes are sourced from Cos, Brown Thomas and Marion Cuddy, whose Powerscourt shop has lightweight Irish knits and up and coming newcomers such as Hazel Comyn and Tish Carroll, whose work is featured here. They are part of her exhibition, Entwined Entities – part of Irish Design 2015 – featuring more than a dozen young designers, taking place on the top floor of the building until July 18th.
For those planning a safari into town for bargains, the items from Brown Thomas are now on sale.
Photographs: Anita Sadowska Model: Ieva @ Distinct Stylist: Carmel Daly Make-up: Roy Wong
