carla rey
VFG Member
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.
"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.
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