2. 8088
the
new
s
age
Fashion in the 80s was also
more than just influences from
movies and the music industry. It was
about a whole lot of people trying to make a
statement about their own individuality. With
heavy influences from the music industry and MTV,
it was during this time, the younger generation,
in their bid to be hip and cool, rushed to all the
nearest shopping areas to emulate their favorite star.
The Michael Jackson
Wearing one glove, Michael
Jackson reached into the pop
culture zeitgeist and influ-
enced an entire generation,
giving pieces as simple as
military badges and a fedora
an imprint that, for a time,
was as powerful as his music.
The more his popularity
soared, the more he dressed
to impress. In keeping with
his reputation as the King of
Pop, embellished jackets be-
came his uniform. Festooned
with gold braiding, epaulets,
brass buttons, even forks and
knives, each one was more
elaborate than the next, and
they became a kind of symbol
for the more-is-more fashion
era.
3. Madonna: “Strike a Pose”
Madonna. The pop icon was discovered and elevated to her most popular days in
the 1980’s. Her style was the most copied and sought after look.
Madonna had many looks during the 80’s. Her ability to perpetually re-style herself
has certainly contributed to the longevity of her career. One was her most iconic
looks from the 80s was the wavy hair with highlights. Girls went to the salons in
droves to get the “poodle” looking perms so their hair was wavy too. They pulled it
up in bows like she did to copy her look in the Borderline video and movie, “Des-
perately Seeking Susan.”
Madonna may be one of the first pioneers of the messy chic look of the 80’s. She
started the layered look, with shirts and coats and more shirts. A lace shirt was often
worn over another shirt. Or a sweatshirt with an oversized neck or cut off sleeves
was worn over a smaller shirt or bra.Her layers also included accessories.
Everyday Madonna clothing of the 80’s included a skirt worn over tight, short pants.
Sometimes they were patterned, other times they were lacy. No matter, the girls in
school copied them.
Madonna changed the fashion industry forever.
- American soap opera, Dystany, influnced the way woman dress in the 80’s, Shoulder padds and
power dresses were seen in the show and copied by many.
- The movie Flashdance, brought back leg warmers. They used to wear them with everything.
- As if 80’s clothing weren’t loud enough, neon coloured clothing hit the scene. The neon colors
even took on a phosphorescent glow when worn at a disco or nightclub. With 80s fashion lighting
up the streets, it’s easy to see why Corey Hart wore his sunglasses at night (reference to the hit 80s
song “Sunglasses At Night” by Corey Hart).
- TV series, Miami Vice gave us the style of wearing t-shirts under expensive suit jackets. Many
men eagerly adopted the “Miami Vice Look” look, made famous by Don Johnson.
