The Kenya Convertibles are a concept Banana Republic did not invent, and it’s a common item now from other outfitters, but let’s just say BR made them famous. The idea was featured in 1982 and resurrected as BR factory made item in Summer 1985 and was a staple item through Fall 1988.
From the Catalog: “Made of tough, pre-washed Expedition Cloth, our Kenya Convertibles protect form brush, weather and local social customs. Get up in the cool dawn, make your way through the bush; then, as the sun gets hot, unzip the trouser legs, put them in your pack, and continue your trek. For decorum,-or as a defense against bugs and thorns-simply zip the legs back on; rustproof nylon zippers are so well concealed they look like snappy styling details. “
The 1982 Gift Catalog #10 featured a “Modular Safari Pant” (made by a third party) that seems to have inspired the Kenya Convertibles, minus the removable cargo pocket. This is somewhat interesting. I found another version of the Modular Safari Pant in the 1983 Fall catalog. “Surivalon” has been in business making outwear and travel garments since the 1970s. Presumably they were one of the “trade show” brands BR was selling before they got more into manufacturing their own garments after the GAP came in.Reinforced backside…Showing unzipping of leg, and knife pocket. These size 24 are very small! This is a dead stock pair with original tags. The Summer 1985 debut of the Kenya Convertible Pants. A charming cartoon illustrating the pant’s utility and versatility in the 1985 catalog.
Robyn's fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying the clothing and giving her the catalogs. She loved the clothes and as an artist she was drawn to the illustrations. She went on to study illustration at art college in BR's hometown of San Francisco and worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA as a graphic designer and illustrator with Secret Fan Base . She's been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.
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