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 15th, 2010.
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