Lipa’s safari style: from paris to south africa, a designer disconnect
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are currently traversing the globe, and their vacation wardrobe is proving to be a fascinating study in contrasts. Leaving the glittering shores of Ibiza and the Amalfi Coast behind, they’ve traded designer dresses for khaki, and statement bags for binoculars.
Safari chic: a calculated shift
The pop star’s usual aesthetic – think Jacquemus slinkiness and barely-there crochet – has been deliberately swapped for a more practical, if still undeniably stylish, safari look. As she succinctly put it on Instagram, ‘David Attenborough eat your heart out!!!!!’ This particular trip, encompassing Kruger Park and Sabi Sands, appears to have been a genuinely transformative experience, a stark departure from the carefully curated, often hyper-stylized, vacation snapshots she typically shares.
But the evolution doesn’t stop at the clothing. It’s a subtle recalibration of priorities, a move away from the performative aspects of travel and towards a genuine appreciation for the raw beauty of the natural world. The sheer scale of the wildlife – elephants, zebras – is undeniably overwhelming, and Lipa’s Instagram feed offers a glimpse into that profound impact.
Deconstructed glamour: detail matters
The outfits themselves are a layered affair, a careful blending of high fashion with functional practicality. Take, for instance, the 16Arlington top and Re/Done denim shorts ensemble – a lace-up top paired with frayed shorts, a Chrome Hearts belt, and angular Tom Ford sunglasses. It’s a considered juxtaposition, suggesting a deliberate attempt to elevate the utilitarian with a touch of rebellious glamour. Then there’s the addition of the Bvlgari Serpenti Seduttori watch and Tubogas bracelet, a consistent element in her personal style, grounding the look in her established aesthetic.
Later, a camel-colored baseball cap and Loewe v-neck sweater offered a more understated approach, while simultaneously showcasing the brand’s signature aesthetic. The pairing of the same shorts and Bvlgari jewels with a Ralph Lauren Polo shirt demonstrated a keen eye for layering, utilizing classic American sportswear alongside her signature luxury accessories. Even the military-inspired Ann Demeulemeester jacket – a recurring item in her wardrobe – felt surprisingly appropriate within this context, a nod to a timeless style.
Beyond the safari attire, Lipa’s continued reliance on pieces like the billowing white Chanel blouse and quilted bag – a testament to her brand ambassadorship – highlights a seamless integration of personal branding with genuine travel experiences. The Blumarine goggle-like sunglasses added a playful, almost ironic, touch to the entire collection.
A quiet wedding in sight?
Whispers surrounding a relatively low-key wedding this summer continue to circulate, and it’s easy to imagine the honeymoon “fits” will be equally understated and beautifully executed. It's a welcome shift, considering the carefully orchestrated glamour of her previous campaigns. The priority now seems to be a shared experience, a genuine connection to the world around them, a sentiment perfectly captured by her Instagram caption: ‘One of those experiences that stays with you forever.’