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Chic Critique
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LouieElectric Dreams - 80's revival
August 13th 2007 02:44
Love is a Battlefield - Dotti 80's Outfit - image from dotti.com.au
My father was in the fashion business, or rag trade as it's more commonly known amongst those who are part of it. He told me something when I was a young girl that I've never forgotten. That is, when a fashion from a previous time is revived and presented to a new generation of young women, it's always the crass, kitschy, and, well, daggy stuff that seems to come back. Cos really....if it's stylish and has class, it never goes away.
I've always known this was true, having seen the grunge phase emulate hippies, then we all took the p*ss out of the 70's and wore huge bell bottomed flares with leather jackets and lapels almost down to our elbows. It's something I partook in myself, and have seen time and time again. Leopard print and tartan.....they keep coming back.
I read in yesterdays SMH a warning, that those of us who lived in the 80's were going to see a lot of trends paying homage this season to the bright colours and slogan t-shirts from that decade. It's been coming for a while, neon prints were inevitably going to turn into fluoro, and fitted printed tees were going to become oversized slogan tees. I knew it was going to happen, I did. But I see now, that I wasn't fully prepared.
This morning, whilst wandering through a local shopping centre with my hubby, I happened upon Supre. Now I know this is not the pinnacle of couture, that it is a store designed for tweens and adolescents to get their hands on something that's fashionable without over spending their pocket money.
But I didn't expect this. I just wasn't prepared at all, for this.
Supre Store Front - fluoro and slogan's au-go-go
When they said 80's revival......I honestly didn't know that it would go this far. It's not The Pretenders, The Cars, Talking Heads and Elvis Costello 80's. It's Duran Duran, Wham, Kajagoogoo and Wang Chung. Ewwwww! There was a suggestion in the article I read that mentioned if you did it the first time, best not to try again. That's a way of life I like to lead ever since I read it in an interview with Ellen Barkin - it's a fashion philosophy she lives by.
But this?! But THIS?!?! What's next? Socks with ruffles and high heels?! Swatches (with protectors) and roach clips with feathers and beads? Electric Blue mascara? Wearing our sweatshirts tied around our waists? Big bows in our hair? Remember, the 80's did go too far, let's not allow it to happen again. I beg you. Please. I'll give you leg warmers. I'll give you fingerless gloves. Not Reebok white high tops, not fold over acid wash jeans, and most certainly not parachute pants.
Dad owned a clothing store that was family run during the early to mid 80's. We stocked "7/8's" (seven eighths). They were a lengthy capri style jean, tight, with side zippers. They came in all kinds of pastel colours, and also, the ill fated corrugated denim. Does anyone else remember that? It was very stretchy. It had to be otherwise you wouldn't be able to move. I haven't heard the term used for ages.
Well, the text that went with this image on the Supre web site read "Turn up your jeans for summer into a 7/8 length! ". AARRGGHHH!!!
Angel is a Centrefold - Supre Purple 7/8's - pic from supre.com.au
I truly hope all you young-uns enjoy the frivolity and fun that goes with these fashions. They are really silly. I suggest you don't allow anyone to take a photo of you wearing these clothes though. People will bring them out at the most inappropriate times, and you will truly, TRULY, be embarrassed.
If you want to get a glimpse of the original Wham! Wake Me Up Before You Go Go clip, click here. This is the video that started the whole phenomenon - I mean check out that ultra violet section....really! And just by the by, I can't believe we didn't know George Michael was gay!??!
You can still grab "Choose Life" t-shirts, replicas of those seen in the video. I found one on UK web site 8ball, as seen below.....
Dance Hall Days - Choose Life t-shirt from 8ball - pic from 8ball.co.uk
Gotta go - going to go call my girlfriends to find out when the next Blue Light Disco is.
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Gee, can't wait to start wearing lycra bike pants underneath my skirts again. Unlike most fashion fads in the 80's, the bike pants under skirts were really fashionable. Elegant in fact. hehehehehe.
Oh god help us all.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Although...Swatches and electric blue mascara brings back such lovely nostalgic memories...but not the matching fluoro belts and socks!!
I do like Barkin's philosophy too but...I really could do the seventies over and over again!
Your Father is a wise man...are you in the rag trade too CC?...you certainly write like you are and you really know your stuff...plus you're wonderfully funny, Woman!
...it's the 80s hair that scares me...and... shudder... shoulder pads...a la Alexis and Krystal...
Dusk
Comment by Chic Critique
Dusk - as I said - there's some decades that produce classics, and some of those don't ever go out of style. Many great things came out of the 70's. Long flowing skirts, maxi dresses and cork wedges to name a few! And I'm sure you ALWAYS look gorgeous anyway.
I'm not in the rag trade. I'm a wannabe fashion designer really.....but I'd love to do this as a job (fashion writing)...and thankyou again and again for your support and your lovely words!!!
I stayed away from Dynasty for this blog - but I might have to go for it as I just flicked through Harper's Bazaar and saw some SHOULDER PADS!
Thanks both for stopping by, voting and leaving comments - it's a boost!
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Not shoulder pads????
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
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Good post, Chic, with popular appeal.
katyzzz
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Comment by Chic Critique
Lara - so true. Fluoro is ....just......wrong.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
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The Jeepney Stop
Comment by charles
FanFootball
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Great post, Chic!
Charles.
Comment by Chic Critique
Aimzster - I know, it's a little scary. Boys have already started wearing make up again due to the whole emo thing, let's hope they don't get carried away though. I saw someone wearing some of those grey Julius Marlow type shoes with their tight jeans the other day.
I know Charles - it is totally shudder-worthy - Aimzster is shuddering too!
Thanks all for stopping by lovely people!
PS. Someone needs to vote me over the 20 mark for my post today so it's on the home page. Please? help?