Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Kate Carter

Babar the elephant: fashion icon

Babar the Elephant: Babar and his family
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 the Elephant: Shirt and shorts from Soulland's Babar collection
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
Babar the Elephant: Babar and umbrellas
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
Babar the Elephant: Sweatshirt and shirt from Soulland's Babar collection
Whether you go for casual or a smarter look, the Soulland collection has something for every Babar fan at goodhoodstore.com Photograph: PR
Babar the Elephant: Babar counting
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
Babar: The Babar Soulland collection
All the best-dressed elephants will be sporting Babar shorts this summer. If we get one Photograph: PR
Babar the Elephant: Babar goes driving
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: the Babar Soulland collection
Babar would definitely wear this under his classic green suit, accessorised with his black bowler hat and furled-up umbrella Photograph: PR
Babar the Elephant: Babar in his suit and hat
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: the Babar Soulland collection
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
Babar the Elephant: Babar the elephant on a bike
The collection does not, alas, include sailor suits for the younger gentleman – or the younger elephant
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana
Babar the Elephant: Babar's birthday
While Babar is all about the dapper-gentleman look, his wife, Celeste, prefers classic elegance
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana
Babar the Elephant: Babar practicing yoga
After decades of traditionalism, 2006 saw Babar turn briefly new age, as he embraced yoga. In a green onesie, naturally
Illustration: Babar™ and © Nelvana
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.