I haven't entirely understood the whole eighties revival thing. The closest I've come fashion wise has been reintroducing footless tights to my wardrobe. But a few things have come together lately to make me rethink all this.Firstly, this fantastic series of photos for Giuseppe Zanotti definitely caught my eye because it had the playful eighties vibe without feeling rehashed. (I'm sorry, but hammer pants? I was done with you at age five and nothing will make me take you back. I don't care what Marc Jacobs thinks.) I also love sequins for daytime and the mix of casual and formal, jersey and sparkle, to make something that feels very young and new. Did I mention that it's an Italian company? Specializing in footwear? Go. Now.
The second thing was this very thoughtful response by Etsy sensation Yokoo on the wonderful blog Yellowgoat. She says:
"My style is very much a reflection of the early eighties pop culture phenomena: the Claire Standish of Breakfast Club, the Janet Jackson of Control, the Beth Gallagher of Fatal Attraction, and the Mia Farrow of Hannah & Her Sisters. I feel that this was the greatest period of classic American style. Ralph Lauren had just released his Prairie line, the entire country would spend their Thursday nights together enjoying The Cosby Show; it was just this magical balance between adult innocence and childish vulgarity. The Nineties was the opening of the gates, but the eighties were like children cursing for the first time and then laughing about it. Sometimes when I think of where American culture is right now, it just fills me with deep sadness."
I'd never thought about the eighties in quite that context, but I think she's hit the nail exactly on the head. Childish Vulgarity. It's the idea of having fun and being carefree but also being right on the edge of something much scarier and not really being ready to look it in the eye. Suddenly I understand why this resonates with people right now. I think I need to go out and get me a majorly sequined skirt and a baggy t-shirt.
What do you think about the Eighties Revival? Is there anything you vowed never to wear again? What are you tempted to try? What have you tried?
5 comments:
First of all, I would totally be into the 80s coming back if we'd all look as cool as the model, but since we won't, the thought of it makes me shudder. I ahve to say I'm not a fashionista, I never shop and I rarely keep on top of fashion trends, though I have secretly discovered the wonderful world of tights (what? I can wear skirts even in the winter?!). Tights aside, I will NEVER wear shoulder pads again, but I am tempted to try that sequin skirt you were taking about :)
I love the revival! Hey, I awarded and tagged you in my latest post. Congratulations! Kidding. Sort of. :)
I loooooooooooooove the 80s... I really don't understand why people hate that whole decade so much...
When I remember the eighties I think of zubaz pants and hypercolor shirts.....worn together....
And I remember spending hours in the bathroom trying to get my bangs to be puffy just like Jayme Sanders'.
Simply put, the eighties were not my time to shine, but perhaps the revival has something more to offer.... one can hope! I think I'll have to start with the footless leggings and work from there.
I love neon, sequins, flashdance tops and mini skirts but there is no way I would ever, ever, ever do "mall hair" again. Or hammer pants, but that's just because they would make my short little legs look extra chunky.
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