This is too easy! It is actually a bit hard to find 80s fashion photos without strong jewelry!
Large earrings and brooches, clusters of pins and bracelets, Chanel-like (better yet actual Chanel) multiple ropes of chains and pearls, big ethnic beads, flashy bejeweled crosses...To call it the decade of OUTGOING JEWELRY is a positive understatement! Watches were so important that I'll give them their own time later.
In the atelier of Christian Lacroix, exquisite embroidery and beading were hand sewn--a return to traditional workmanship fit for a queen.
At first, all these ideals seemed unconventional, but only in the context of what had transpired before. As you can see from my previous posts here, there were some exaggerated looks in hair, makeup and clothing in the 80s, and here are just several of many more. Extremes were part of the fashion currency.
MALE dress borrowed from a theoretical closet, dating from all eras of masculine sartorial splendor. Every woman wore a tie at least once in the 80s, and there were distinctly man/woman tuxes, tailcoats, suits, overcoats and accessories.
The Japantheon included Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Matsuda and Kenzo.
HUMOR As in the 1950s, the 80s were just manicured and fashionable enough to allow humor. In the Depression and War years fashion was molded (and often made more beautiful) by the constraints imposed by rationing and lack of materials. Humor would be over the top in that atmosphere. In the 80s, as in the 50s, there was room for a laugh in personal appearance, even in exquisitely made designer clothing. Francisco Moschino was the great master of whimsy in my book (last two photos).
BUSINESS Although high fashion magazines didn't dwell on business fashion (some would call it anti-fashion), they couldn't completely ignore the throngs of women in the work force...more than ever before in history. Here are some wonderfully accessorized takes on male dress, work wear and traditional clothing. As you can see, if it is from the 80s, it quite likely has polka dots or stripes!
I want to show you some images that I clipped as favorites in the 1980s, almost all from Elle Magazine, which had its heyday in the 80s. The black and white images are from the inspiring book Vogue Modern Style - How to Achieve It by Charlotte Du Cann, 1988.
I sorted my clippings into these topics, to be covered slowly but surely:
Athleticism
Business
The Emergence of Gaultier
Humor
Japanese style
Male
Non-traditional beauty
Opulence
Outgoing jewelry
Pattern/Color
Uniform
Vintage inspirations
Watches
ATHLETICISM was the look of well-exercised models, exuding health and fitness, even power. There was a huge uptick in stretch fabric development and use, lending an athletic fit to so many garments. Athletic looks were mixed with traditional clothing in eclectic combinations. Sporty stripes were everywhere, as were leggings and stretch pants.
It's April and a girl's heart turns to umbrellas. Or perhaps not. So often I see people walking in the rain sans brolly now, and getting drenched in the process. Why not use an umbrella, which is after all an interesting, practical and many times lovely invention? Slugs adore rain au naturel, but you know better, don't you!
