I Want A Girl With A Mind Like A Diamond

February 7, 2008 1:39 PM

Where can I get jackets like those worn by Meryl Streep's character in the 1985 film, Out Of Africa?

Milena Canonero is the famous and award-winning designer who created these costumes, but it's not like she has a clothing line or a replicas store (does she?).

I'm not looking for jodhpurs or linen shirts a la Banana Republic circa 1989.

Specifically I seek the fabulous suit jackets the Karen Blixen character wears throughout the movie. Ready-made or patterns, both fine.

I have searched extensively online. I admit defeat. Help me, AskMe!

posted by Mrs Hilksom to clothing, beauty, & fashion (19 comments total)

Something like this?
posted by ceri richard at 1:47 PM on February 7, 2008

What comes to mind is clothing from places like Barbour -- Classics and Sporting collections. I wonder if any of that appeals to you.
posted by ericb at 1:50 PM on February 7, 2008

ceri richard, your link is dead - set again?
posted by Mrs Hilksom at 1:57 PM on February 7, 2008

Like this jacket?
posted by steef at 1:58 PM on February 7, 2008

Hm. ericb, more like this: http://www.altfg.com/Stars/o/out-of-africa.jpg
posted by Mrs Hilksom at 2:00 PM on February 7, 2008

Murrr! Steef, closer, but not quite there. Must be fitted (am willing to engage a tailor/alter an existing design), probably "conservative" in the buttoning up the front. I am a fan of interesting buttoning (not the buttons themselves, the line of the buttons up the garment), creative cuts, draping.

Thanks thanks thanks!
posted by Mrs Hilksom at 2:05 PM on February 7, 2008

You may want to look into Nanette Lepore, who does some of that extremely tailored, feminine look with a twist. You will have to sort through some of her styles that are a twee and overdone but something like this and this might be in the right direction?
posted by hindmost at 2:11 PM on February 7, 2008

Another example here but I think some of her collections from previous seasons better fit the ideal you're going for.
posted by hindmost at 2:18 PM on February 7, 2008

Ugh. Having cookie problems, but give Tilley Endurables a look.
posted by porpoise at 2:20 PM on February 7, 2008

The J Peterman Catalog?
posted by cda at 2:24 PM on February 7, 2008

Not to derail, but that costume you linked to is so Erte-esque. Never noticed in the movie.
posted by small_ruminant at 2:26 PM on February 7, 2008

Okay, last post, sorry! 1 2 3
posted by hindmost at 2:33 PM on February 7, 2008

Ralph Lauren.
posted by Jay Reimenschneider at 2:39 PM on February 7, 2008

Am loving this. I am not much of a shopper, let alone knowing my way around the online shopping world. Thank you thank you. Hindmost, Nanette Lepore is closest so far. Long sleeves is best. Should've said that right away.

Will take all comers! More suggestions? Patterns you know?
posted by Mrs Hilksom at 2:48 PM on February 7, 2008

You could commission them, too. In the meantime, here's a collection of ready-to-wear costumes. There is a 20th century section at the bottom.
posted by small_ruminant at 2:51 PM on February 7, 2008

Also Michelle Mason (again, some of her older stuff check ebay) may be up your alley. 1 2 3
posted by hindmost at 3:04 PM on February 7, 2008

Yeah, J. Peterman. Or try Past Patterns or Folkwear Patterns (if you don't sew, you could probably find someone to make it.)
posted by nax at 5:27 PM on February 7, 2008

Thirding J. Peterman.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 8:07 PM on February 7, 2008

Some labels that dip in to that look: J. Morgan Puett, Morgane Le Fay, Shack, Ann Demeulemeester, and yes, Ralph Lauren, purple label (again, try eBay).
posted by thinkpiece at 12:38 PM on February 8, 2008