Fashion: the 80s style takeover

with the 80s brought new textiles and shoulder pads, the bigger the better, a decade of success wealth decadence and materialism, styles were often loud and flashy, accessorised with studs and rhinestones and gold costume jewellery, spandex was becoming exceedingly more popular, along with shiny polyesters, bright cottons, leathers and glitz.

t-shirts were a growing trend too, becoming a stable component in all garment attire nearly, in a variety of cuts colours shapes and sizes for both genders and all ages. previously hidden beneath shirts it was now brought to the forefront. 

influences such as the movie Flashdance and the interest in sport classes such as aerobics, exercise was a huge craze, fashions of brightly coloured shiny shiny spandex with sport accessories such as sweat bands and leg warmers completing the look. 

another style that emerged was the "young urban professional" the "yuppie" look

business like with money and materialistic in choices, you would know their worth from their dress,  a era which historians now call the "me era" preppy with brand name logos, fashion companies upped their marketing in response to this consumer, Ralph Lauren was a leading designer for this range, and the idea that fashion choice was a lifestyle style clothing choice. 

women also wanted to make their mark on their world and show they could also dominate the workplace, they also could be successful rich workers and therefore wanted their dress sense to reflect that, often sporting a more masculine and suit like look, looking professional and powerful. women wanted a slice of power too and were entirely capable of it. with many going into business and finance, professions previously dominated by men. a menswear for women begin. thus the power suit was born - women's work attire.  to be respected for their work and minds not just their bodies, homes and childbearing skills. 

designers who have created their own take on the powerhouse suit include Vanessa Bruno, Thom Brown, Ferragamo, 

not only was the silver screen a source of style reference but also tv, but more faster. the biggest perhaps being Dynasty with Joan Collins, her character and persona reflected the strong independent women, with a slightly more fitted tailored and feminine look. 

designers who have referenced her look include: Balmain, Laurant, Lanvin, Zac Posen

The disco glitz look was highly popular, Versace regularly draw inspiration from this 

 the Maverick Punk and alternative fashions such as New Romantics were brought to light through Music and tv, in particular MTV,  which major icons such as Cindy Loper, Michael Jackson, Boy George, with bright colours and lots of accessories, with Madonna taking the Foreground. 

designers who have taken inspiration from 80s pop culture include, Dior, Galliano, Westwood,