Out of Africa - 35th Anniversary "I had a farm in Africa..." So begins the memoir of Karen Blixon, a wealthy Danish woman who relocated to colonial Africa in the early 1900s to start a farm with her new husband. The film, loosely based on the autobiography by author Isak Dinesen (Blixon's pseudonym),and starring Meryl Streep, spans the years between 1913 - 1931, focusing on Karen's life in Kenya and her love affair with the free-spirited adventurer Denys Finch Hatton, played by Robert Redford. Released in 1985, the epic romantic drama won 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture. Whether the film's plot and politics would be readily accepted in today's more socially-conscious climate is up for debate. What has stood the test of time are the swoon-worthy costumes Milena Canonero designed for the film, winning her both the American and British Academy Award. The meticulously researched pre-Africa outfits are stunning, but it's the clothing worn in the wilds of Kenya - so perfectly embodying Blixon's independent personality, that spawned a safari sportswear mania at the film's release, and continues to provide inspiration for present-day collections of countless fashion designers. This week, as we revisit Out of Africa 35 years after its release, the VFG is on the hunt for soft linen and crisp cotton in shades of khaki, white and brown, duster coats, riding boots, safari jackets, midi skirts, jodhpurs, pith helmets and wide-brimmed hats - all manner of vintage fashion fit for an epic adventure.
-For your own interpretation of the safari look - some pattern ideas: 1950s blouse pattern Simplicity 4256 1950s shirtwaist dress pattern Vogue 9326 1970s tunic top, dress and pants pattern Simplicity 7649
1960s Veiled Hat, by Patrick de Barentzen Monsieur Gilles - Italian - Stylized Pith-Style Helmet Antique Victorian Black Leather Lace Up Boots Ladies Size 7.5 N Width 1980s Jean Paul Gaultier Rust Brown Hunting Jacket - Safari Style 1960s Mens Safari Shirt - Made in Jamaica - Jamaican Mento Era - Size M Antique Edwardian White Cotton Petticoat & Chemise Set w Lace Trim Size M / L
Pleated Tea Length Midi Skirt - HIDDEN BUNNIES! Oversized Beige Casual Long Cotton Shirt Black Suede Lace Up Grunge Boots Plaid Linen Man Tailored Blazer Midi Pencil Skirt, Fall & Winter Brown Houndstooth
Vintage 1940s-50s Natural Straw Hat Red Silk Rose Vintage 1980s Lions Print Silk Scarf My Vintage Clothes Line on Ruby Lane https://www.rubylane.com/shop/myvintageclothesline
1970s Levi's Men's Corduroy Half-Norfolk Jacket, Size 40 Long Ralph Lauren Leather Lace-up Riding Boots, US Size 9B 1980s Mary McFadden Slouchy Natural Linen Duster, Size 6 1980s Rayon Paisley Print Midi Skirt, 28" Waist 1970s Sears Polyester Jodhpurs, 30" Waist
Photos are clickable links On Etsy, a Moschino safari-style dress in olive drab green And a 70s jersey knit blouse done in a novelty print depicting predators and prey on the African veldt. At magsrags.net, this 70s does Edwardian velveteen jacket and midiskirt by Suzy Creamcheese of Las Vegas And in my prep basket, these are WW2 paratrooper boots, but they would look right at home in the grasslands of Kenya
The movie is one of my all time favorite for costume watching and coveting. Everything is delicious and perfectly done for the movie. What a great idea for a Parade!
This is also one of my favorite films for the costuming and the handsome Robert Redford. So romantic. Such fabulous examples above