In 1885 the town of Oudtshoorn was declared the ostrich capital of the world due to ostrich feather sales. Feathers were known as ‘white gold’ and were sold in Europe for the same price of gold. Today ostrich feathers make up approximately 6% of the total income of the ostrich industry but there are still many uses for it. Feather dusters are still in great demand and beautiful ostrich plumes are used in the fashion industry.
Not leaving out the ostrich feather boa worn by some ladies still in cabarets and carnivals. In the late 1950’s a young lady by the name of Carol Barron mastered the art of boa-making. It was in their garage where she experimented with dyeing ostrich feathers and became the mother of the modern Klein Karoo ostrich feather boa. Carol perfected her techniques of making boas by stripping the quill before removing the fringes from it. She used high quality dyes which she imported and with the combination of steam and natural sunlight she enhanced the beauty of each feather. This lady brought a new level of style to the fashion industry in South Africa.
The very first ostrich feather fashion show was held in Oudtshoorn in the early 1960’s and Me Barron supplied all the trimmings. Her father was also a fashion designer and built a factory in Oudtshoorn specialising in ostrich feather items including feather bags and boas which were exported internationally. Carol Barron always believed in quality to ensure a delicate and glamorous item for ladies all over the globe. At Safari Ostrich Farm we have a range of beautiful short neck boas to make any girl feel extra special.
