Sex, drugs, and rock and roll…the
80s the era of being self involved and self in powered, the “me generation”
people were only concerned about themselves. Instead of wearing your heart on
your sleeve, you wore your opinions on your clothes. What did it mean to be “fashionable” in the
80s and to whose standards and whose judgment? Everyone wanted to be the “it
girl” and the “cool cat.” Everyone identified
themselves through their garments (much like they do today) whether it was the
punk, pretty in pink, preppy look, sporty attire, dancewear, or just showing
off wealth.
Influences
came from numerous celebrity icons such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Meryl
Streep, and Princess Diana. Music and
film were also major influences for big trends.
Leg warmers, torn jeans, tight pants, miniskirts, an abundance of jewelry;
people saw all of these things on televisions and at the movies and followed suit. Of course, everyone also had to keep up with
the latest designer trends. Vivienne
Westwood’s punk rocker attire and romantic look, Giorgio Romani’s power suit,
Nolan Miller’s designs from the show Dynasty
which he made available to the public.
Even though people were following
all the major trends and trying to keep up with the latest fashion, they were
also being careful with their activities.
The 80s saw an influx in the number of people who contracted the AIDS
virus. Some designers and fashion icons
worked in the fight against AIDS, like Ralph Luaren, Kenneth Cole, Donna Karen,
and Anna Wintour who put on the first AIDS fundraiser in New York City. Elizabeth Taylor even founded the American
Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985.
Overall
the 80s was a mishmash of many different styles and trends ranging from
comfortable sporty attire to business formal power suits to the jewelry
abundant outfits of the rich and much more in between. Not only was fashion broadened, but people’s
desire to help each other through difficult situations grew as well. You could say the 80s was a time for bigger
hair and bigger hearts.
Ethical Questions: Should more designers be more involved
with charity? Was all the opulence involved
in the outfits of the rich necessary, what kind of message did it send?
By: Sheneil Duncan and Ryan Juliano
References:
By: Sheneil Duncan and Ryan Juliano
References:
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