80s fashion redux, part 10: The romance of uniforms in the 80s

(This is the tenth in my series of posts on 80s fashion trends and the impact they are having on current fashion. If you'd like to read from the beginning, please start with my blog of July 23.)

It felt like another case of 80s déjà vu when Christophe Decarnin reincarnated the rock-and-roller band jacket for Balmain, Spring 2009.

Then Michael Jackson died. Although band jackets were a look of Sgt. Pepper's-era Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, it feels like it's time again for Michael's jacket, with its flamboyance and fantasy.


It is a look I favored occasionally in the 80s, with a very ornamented green and gold jacket that had been worn by a member of my father's high school pipe band in the 1960s. I am a musician and have worn uniforms because I had to, but I adored wearing such a beautiful vintage uniform because I wanted to.

Originally posted May 16, 2006:

Not just any UNIFORM suited 80s style. Uniforms had to be witty, romantic and sharp, without a hint of grunt or camouflage. The regiment could be from any time and any place in history, and often had a distinct sense of humor. Real vintage uniforms were haute-ly pursued.

Christian Dior Haute Couture by Gianfranco Ferre

Genuine vintage uniform jacket from Kaufman's Army & Navy, NYC

Another authentic vintage uniform jacket

Vintage firefighter's jacket

Traditional Welsh Guards uniform

Update August 18, 2009:

For fall 2009, there is a new regiment of fanciful uniform looks, from Phillip Lim's Mod Sousa to Gaultier for Hermès' aviatrices. With Michael gone, it seems there are plenty ready to take up the baton.