’80s Movie Style: Tootsie

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…

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!:

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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!

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!