Babar the elephant: fashion icon

Babar the elephant was created by artist Jean de Brunhoff, after his wife, Cécile, invented the tale as a bedtime story for their two boys. The first book was first published in France in 1931, and then in England two years later. The first edition had an introduction by AA Milne, Winnie the Pooh's creator
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

Babar shirts and shorts are surely the height of sartorial elegance for the modern chap – or elephant. Designed by lifelong Babar fan, Silas Adler, they are available from Friday at goodhoodstore.com Photograph: PR

Jean de Brunhoff published seven Babar stories before dying of tuberculosis at the age of just 37. He is buried in Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

Whether you go for casual or a smarter look, the Soulland collection has something for every Babar fan at goodhoodstore.com Photograph: PR

Laurent de Brunhoff, Jean's son, took up his father's brush and pen after his death and continued writing and illustrating Babar stories after the end of the second world war. He has written 35 more books and now, aged 86, lives in New York
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

All the best-dressed elephants will be sporting Babar shorts this summer. If we get one Photograph: PR

Babar has successfully made the transition to the screen, with two TV series, including a much-loved BBC one that aired in the late 80s, two specials and a feature-length film. His fans in the UK can now see him on CiTV in a 3D animation
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

Babar would definitely wear this under his classic green suit, accessorised with his black bowler hat and furled-up umbrella Photograph: PR

This year Babar has important work to do – he has been appointed as the French Child Ambassador for Unicef. A series of fundraising events will take place in France to raise money
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

Babar's image has appeared on merchandise since 1933, but this is the first time the elephant has graced a men's fashion collection Photograph: PR

The collection does not, alas, include sailor suits for the younger gentleman – or the younger elephant
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

While Babar is all about the dapper-gentleman look, his wife, Celeste, prefers classic elegance
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana

After decades of traditionalism, 2006 saw Babar turn briefly new age, as he embraced yoga. In a green onesie, naturally
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana