The Empowered Woman

Back to the 80s: Summer 2010 finds big hair, “Dynasty” power shoulders and vibrant colours in full swing.

Summer 2010 finds big hair, “Dynasty” power shoulders and vibrant colours back in full swing. While some of you may cringe at the thought, rest assured that the trends on the catwalks have been translated to look current. From high fashion to high street, shops around the world have been filled with fun flashbacks for you to choose from.

The 1980s ‘power’ suit with its strong shoulders became a wardrobe staple that signified the new wave of high-profiled businesswomen who had emerged for the first time in history. Movies and TV shows, starring women in lead roles, mushroomed to reflect women’s fast growing gains. The 1980s were also about the confidence and upbeat attitude that goes with it — best embodied by the Queen of Pop.

Madonna emerged to confront and celebrate gender stereotypes even more. Her look is epitomised in Desperately Seeking Susan. Her rock chic, devil-may-care style mixed lace corsets and cut out fingerless gloves, layers of pearl necklaces and pretty bows with leather biker jackets, heavy metal studs and gothic crosses.  Like women in their power suits, Madonna represented women who knew what they wanted and went for it.

This year finds dramatic hair and electric colours back in full swing. From high street to high fashion, shop floors around the world have been filled with new styles inspired by the 1980s. Anyone can wear this fashion revival — the key is to figure out which aspects will work best for you

Our picks:

Blazers with shoulder pads

Plenty of lamé

One-shoulder styles

Off-the-shoulder sweaters with leggings

Leopard prints

Acid washed denim

Back-combing

Bright lipsticks

Smoky eyes

Avoid:

Short kameezes and big shalwars

Hair crimpers

Turtle necks with tweed trousers

Bell bottoms

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2010.