At a time when Madonna emerged vogue-ing, so did the era of shoulder pads, leggings with stirrups, lycra and layers. The 80s. As I was born, so was a passion for the outrageous, pushing the limits of fashion to the extreme. Clothes became about creativity and individualism, with Britain again at the centre of unique style. Tops became layered and looser; baggy tees were a necessity for any wardrobe, just as were ultra-tight skinny trousers and leggings. After the 70s, where dancewear became iconic, the leggings and lycra continued into the 80s, developed upon with the addition of stirrups. This addition partly was inspired by the acceptance of females as career women, having managerial positions and lead roles in dominant working industries, finally. With Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister, and Princess Diana and Madonna inspiring women worldwide, the ‘power’ look became unavoidable, with women wanting to dress in a way that stated ‘I am a powerful woman who you will respect’. They wanted to be taken seriously in the roles that had taken them decades to acquire. So along came the ‘power’ look, and most significantly, the shoulder pads. Jackets, t-shirts, roll-necks, you name it, they had padded shoulders in the 80s. With the appearance of broader shoulders, and the creating of a square, stern line across the body, women appeared to be severer, more unyielding and in control. Almost 3 decades later, and women in dominant workplace roles are more common than ever. Sustaining their position in society as no longer just the mother or housewife, women still hold key positions within some of the most crucial roles in the world. So is it really a surprise that the ‘power’ look has returned? But this time, shoulder pads do not support the female, making her feel visually stronger. Shoulder pads are back simply because they are fabulous. Gracing the catwalks at fashion week and the nations favourite celebrities (think Cheryl Cole’s recent officer jacket she wore whilst performing her new single on the Xfactor), shoulder pads are back stronger than ever. However it is more than the power pads that prove fashions return to the 80s.
Another prime example of the 80s influence is the paint-splattered dresses / tees / skirts that have materialized this season. The Jackson Pollack-esque clothes are completely reminiscent of the arty and experimental style from 30 years ago. DVF and Yves Saint Laurent are just two of the high-end designers who have recreated the paint-splattered effect this autumn/winter 09. Pegged Jeans have also made a come-back, as have the infamous childhood favourite shoes – jelly shoes.
So it really does seem that the 80s have spun around again, so start trawling the charity shops for your retro leggings right away…
