Out of Africa.

     (Slightly Revised Edition.)
     Between the years 1906 and 1939, a trickle, then a light rainfall, then a downpour, of Englishmen, Germans, Scots, and some remarkable women, began to fall upon the immense gorgeous plateau of East Africa.
     Some came for a year, and stayed for a lifetime.
     Some came to farm; or make a fortune; or to put something awful far behind. Don’t ask what.
     All came to start life over again. Fresh.
     Discovered they hadn’t been expelled from a Garden of Eden after all, but were just now entering one.

    That first night they lay awake listening, hearing Africa, hearing for the first time how to hear.
    And how to read a flattened blade of grass: who or what had passed through here; and exactly how long ago.
    It was paradise. It lasted three decades. Days of laughing, dancing, talking all night; ostrich omelettes the morning after; walking thirty miles to see an ocean of oryx, a river of hippos; flying low over a sea of wildebeest; driving among elephants in a maharajah’s 3-axle Buick; great luxury; great simplicity.
    We couldn’t bring back the era, but here are some of the clothes, judiciously updated for today’s Karen Blixen.
    NB: Why white instead of khaki? Crisp, refreshing “whites” are what they used put on at gin-and-tonic time after a hot day on the veldt; you, however, are not obliged to wait until sundown.

Safari Linen Dress (No. 2027). The style recalls Ava in Mogambo, but the color is Grace Kelly. Mid-calf cut of fine soft linen, lined in cotton voile, 10 matching pearl-shell buttons down the front. Short cuffed, button-tabbed sleeves. Button-flap pockets with expanding inverted pleats. Self-belt with leather buckle.     The four long, full inverted pleats front and back let you stride freely through the coffee fields.     Women’s sizes: 4 through 16. Color: White, Tan buckle.

Safari Leather Vest (No. 2259). A dashing, highly functional thing to wear with khakis when photographing the wildlife (not too close, now). Later, put it on with your whites for a more sophisticated look.     Buttoning front, throat latch, and patch pockets. Shaping princess seams. Self belt. Made of rich, buttery lambskin that just gets better with age.     Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.     Color: Tan.

Safari Linen Pants (No. 2026). Authentic 1930s wide legs, wide topstitched waistband, and clean lines make any woman look longer and leaner; even more so, that is. Shaping darts front and back. 5 belt loops. Concealed buttoning flap inside waistband.     Excellent for lunch at the Mokodi (kudu steak, etc.; best restaurant in Gaborone).     Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.     Color: White.     Price: $99.