Shirin Mann’s Style Tips For Couples Planning A Safari Honeymoon
The SAND by Shirin and Needledust founder has got your back!
If a summer honeymoon in the vast savanna of an exotic coastal city like Cape Town is on the cards for you this year, you might want to pay close attention to what SAND by Shirin has to offer.
A brainchild of Needledust founder Shirin Mann, the label’s latest collection is an evocative homage to the beauty of Cape Town and the richness of the wildlife it has to offer. Titled ‘Savanna’, the Spring/Summer 2025 collection takes the label’s ethos of marrying fluidity with structure and presents clothing that is perfect for a romantic, but balmy, night out in nature with your bae.
The colour palette, too, is inspired by the different facets of the terrain, consisting of hues ranging from pistachio, tangerine, and lemon to rose, almond, truffle, latte, and blush.
The designer collaborated with South African conservationist Luke to film the campaign at his reserve in the city. “Shooting in the wild, we wanted to do it with full respect for the land and its inhabitants,” says Shirin, “The conservationist (Luke) helped guide us on how to coexist peacefully with the animals, ensuring their comfort and safety while allowing us to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a way to root the campaign in empathy, respect, and conscious storytelling.”
If you want a lowdown on how to look stylish effortlessly on your safari adventure, read our conversation with the designer right here…
In Conversation With Shirin Mann
Manifest: Who is ‘Savanna’ for?
Shirin Mann: Savanna is for the dreamers, the explorers and the lovers of nature. It’s for anyone who seeks beauty in the wild and wants to feel both comfortable and confident—whether you’re lounging at a vineyard, chasing golden light on safari, or dancing barefoot under the stars.
M: ‘Such A Nice Day’ is such a fun name! Tell us about the inspiration behind the name.
SM: The name is actually rooted in the very essence of the brand—SAND stands for Such A Nice Day. From the very beginning, the idea was to create something that feels like sunshine on your skin, a deep breath on a good day, or the comfort of ease and flow. So when we were thinking of a name for this campaign, it felt natural to go back to where it all began.
‘Such A Nice Day’ isn’t just a line—it’s a feeling. It captures the mood of Savanna’25 so perfectly: carefree, sunlit, a little wild, and rooted in nature. Every moment in Cape Town—from spotting zebras at dawn to walking barefoot on the sand—felt like a love letter to a day well lived. And that’s exactly what we wanted to share.
M: Is there a personal story or moment that sparked the vision for this line?
SM: Absolutely. Even before I set foot in Africa, I knew this journey would be creatively and emotionally powerful—and it truly was. The landscapes, the calm of the wild, and the magic of sunrise and sunset—there was such a stillness and strength to it. That feeling lingered. I knew I wanted to create something that didn’t just draw from that beauty, but truly honoured it.
M: What, according to you, is the brand’s core philosophy?
SM: At SAND, our philosophy is rooted in intentionality and emotion. We create clothes that carry a story—whether it's inspired by a place, a feeling, or a state of mind. Versatility, ease, and thoughtful design are at the heart of every collection. We want our pieces to move with you, evolve with you, and feel like they belong—wherever you are.
M: For couples who are looking for a safari adventure honeymoon, what would be your top tips for wardrobe essentials to pack?
SM: Layering is key! Mornings and evenings in the savanna can be chilly, so lightweight jackets or breathable knits are essential. Go for easy linen sets, co-ord skirts and shirts, and breezy dresses that feel elevated but fuss-free. Don’t forget a great hat, comfortable footwear, and a statement tote—like our new SAND merch bags—for all your essentials.
M: How do you balance elegance and comfort, especially for couples looking to lounge, explore, and celebrate?
SM: Comfort and elegance are never mutually exclusive in our world. We design with fluid silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and attention to detail so that you can move freely and feel polished. A co-ord can be elevated with jewellery for dinner or worn loose for a safari drive. The idea is to blur the lines between leisurewear and occasionwear.
M: Which fabrics and cuts work best for tropical or semi-arid climates like the savannah?
SM: Natural fabrics are your best friend—linen, organic cotton, handwoven silks that breathe and age beautifully. For cuts, think relaxed fits, gathered waists, drop shoulders, and flowy midi to maxi lengths that don’t cling but still flatter. You want the fabric to move with the breeze, not against it.
M: How do you incorporate versatility into your designs—pieces that can go from safari drives to candlelit dinners?
SM: We play with layers, dual-purpose silhouettes, and co-ords that can be mixed and matched. A skirt with a bralette for the day can be paired with a blazer or embellished shirt for the evening. We keep embellishment minimal and impactful, so you always look put together without it ever feeling over the top.