Nelson Mandela Dies: Madiba's 10 Craziest Shirts

An affectionate look at the anti-apartheid giant who also found time to brighten South Africa's sartorial scene

Nelson Mandela, who has died at home in johannesburg, South Africa — Nelson Mandela, who died at home in Johannesburg, South Africa

Nelson Mandela showed the world the power and value of forgiveness - so let us take this valuable lesson and excuse his taste in zany shirts.

Mandela - or Madiba as he's affectionately known in South Africa - exerted huge influence on the world stage. He was the epitome of the great statesman in everything but his dress sense.

His fashion statements never caught on among other national leaders who still play it safe with suit and tie or muted national dress. But Mandela was always his own man. Surely it's time to introduce Mandela Shirt Day at the United Nations.

Mandela is believed to have developed his love for Indonesian-style batik patterned shirts in 1990, when he visited Indonesia shortly after becoming South Africa's first black president.

Mandela loved the shirts so much that two designers were employed to come up with designs for him, South African Desre Buirski and Indonesian Iwan Tirta. In South Africa, the shirts have come to be known as Madiba shirts.

Following his death aged 95 at home in the Houghton suburb of Johannesburg, we take a respectful look at the Mandela wardrobe. His legacy will live on, but will any future world leader ever have the courage to brighten up international diplomacy with shirts like these?

1. The shirt's so bright that Archbishop Desmond Tutu has to wear shades