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’80s Movie Style: Tootsie

June 17, 2015 by Kate 5 Comments

Tootsie apartment entryway

Today’s post is dedicated to the pink and purple fabulousness that’s painted all over the film Tootsie. OK, so the whole movie isn’t doused in shades of purple and pink. But these colors are used to turn female stereotypes on their ear, taking center stage at some of the most empowering moments for Tootsie/Dorothy (played by Dustin Hoffman) and Julie (Jessica Lange).

In case you haven’t seen the film, it tells the story of struggling actor Michael Dorsey, who disguises himself as a woman to secure a role on a soap opera. Kinda like Mrs. Doubtfire, except fewer children are deceived and the disguise involves less latex. Plus, Tootsie is set in 1982, so the design is A-MAZING…

Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie

Let’s start with Julie’s apartment, which is ultra chic in shades of lavender and pink. Fellow actress Julie admits to Tootsie/Dorothy that due to her busy schedule, she hired a decorator to enhance her space. And that decorator clearly did an amazing job, choosing a subtle shade of lavender-grey for the living room and adding a healthy dose of mauve to the entryway, which is kept in check by white trim (see the top of the post). Hey, look–Jessica Lange matches the apartment!:

Pink and purple Tootsie wardrobe

Oh what I wouldn’t give to interview production designer Peter Larkin!!! Not only did his talents grace Tootsie, you can see his work in films such as The Secret of My Success and Three Men and a Baby. Check out our recent post on the latter film for more ’80s-fabulous screen shots.

Dabney Coleman in the movie Tootsie

I can’t continue this post without taking a minute to acknowledge the divine pink and lavender ceramics in this apartment. See them behind Dabney Coleman in the screen shot above, and below as well? Inspired by this film, I staged a photo shoot yesterday with my pastel ’80s ceramics, so stay tuned for the reveal later in the week.

Pink and purple ceramics in the film Tootsie

We’ll now leave Julie’s apartment and end the post with a look at this amazing lavender Deco set, which in the film is a glamorous set from the soap opera Southwest General (where the main characters act/work). That white molding! That staircase! Those sconces!!!

Shades of lavender in the movie Tootsie

Here are a few more shots… Note the pink and lavender shades of Dorothy’s ensemble:

Tootsie montage

And I just had to show you this Tootsie shot of Geena Davis and George Gaynes (he also played Punky Brewster’s Dad, remember?)… Check out the ’80s Deco artwork behind them. I’ll drink to that!

Deco vase art in the movie Tootsie

Also check out Mirror80’s recent post on pastel style for more candy-colored fun, and as mentioned, stay tuned for my photo shoot pics featuring Deco ceramics this Friday. Until then, may your week be chic!

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Comments

  1. Susan Corbridge says

    February 17, 2017 at 11:56 am

    I love Julie’s long grey coat with her jeans and grey boots. Where can I get a coat like that?

    Reply
  2. Jan Griffiths says

    May 20, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    RIP George Gaynes. I’m not too big on purple and pink, but this was awesome. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen this movie, so I guess I’ll hook up the old VHS and watch it again.

    Reply
  3. Stephan says

    May 21, 2018 at 12:44 am

    Does anyone know who painted the portrait of the woman dancing in oversized red high heels that can be seen in Sandy’s flat when Michael is late for dinner ?

    Reply
    • Richard says

      August 10, 2021 at 12:44 am

      I’ve been wanting to know that too. I want that

      Reply
      • Bro says

        August 11, 2021 at 12:06 pm

        Me too 🙂

        Reply

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Mirror80 is a blog that celebrates the intersection of modern design and retro style. I'm Kate, and I enjoy exploring the look and feel of the "recent retro", with a focus on the late '70s through the early '90s. Welcome to Mirror80. Read More…

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