The Kenya coast — Malindi, Watamu, Diani, the Lamu archipelago — is one of the most beautiful and least over-visited coastlines in the Indian Ocean. The Swahili architecture of Lamu Old Town, the white sand beaches of Diani, the marine reserves of Watamu, the private beach resorts of the north coast — these are destinations that reward a natural fabric wardrobe that respects and connects to the extraordinary environment.

The cultural context. The Kenya coast has a predominantly Muslim cultural heritage — the Swahili culture that shaped the old towns of Lamu, Malindi, and Mombasa. Covered shoulders and modest dress are appropriate in the old towns and cultural sites, and natural linen in composed earth tones is both comfortable in the heat and respectful in these contexts.

For Lamu. The UNESCO-listed old town of Lamu — navigated by donkey and on foot, its carved wooden doors and coral stone buildings among the finest Swahili architecture remaining — rewards a modest and considered wardrobe. A PP women's linen blouse in a warm natural or earth tone with linen trousers. Covered and comfortable in the equatorial heat.

For Diani Beach. The luxury beach hotels and the white sand of Diani — a PP women's linen shirt in white over a swimsuit, leather sandals. The beach resort combination that reads as considered in one of East Africa's most beautiful beach settings.

For the private island resorts. The private islands of the Lamu archipelago — Kiwayu, Manda Bay — have an exceptional understated luxury standard. A PP women's linen set in natural or oyster for the daytime; a deeper colourway for the evening.

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