Clothing as concept


A new force in Japanese design has emerged

In the 1980s, outstanding representatives such as Issey Miyake, Comme des Garcons' Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto came to the scene, and their work swept the global fashion world like a clear stream. Concept becomes the core of their creation, technology becomes the tool to achieve this core, and tradition is given a whole new meaning in their hands.

Although Issey Miyake only launched his collection in 1970, Comme de Garcons was founded only in 1969 and Yohji Yamamoto in 1972, by the 1980s these designers had conquered Paris.

Their representative works are endless, Issey Miyake (1980-81 autumn/winter collection finale piece, red plastic skirt; Jean-Michel Basquiat walked the Comme des Garcons Homme Plus spring 1987 show in a long double-breasted jacket; Red tulle skirt from Yohji Yamamoto's Autumn/winter 1986-87 collection.

This year's collections from Japanese designers and their new generation, often in deep tones, deliberately saggy cuts and oversize silhouettes, have certainly generated much discussion. Some people are enthusiastic about it, others are vehemently against it.

Seen as a fluke of trends, a cultural influence, and a fashion evolution, these Japanese clothes take a fresh look at layers, dark colors, natural fabrics, and large sizes. These designs will eventually be slowly integrated into the mainstream until we become accustomed to them, and they will become our common fashion memory.

Fashion sports

Fitness craze rises

In the 1980s, the fitness craze swept the world. "Exercise: How to Get Started" (1982), "Should Pregnant Women Exercise?" (1988) "How does a Female Executive Exercise" (1985) and "Exercising Without a Sweat" (1988)?

At the same time, clothing brands are offering clothes designed specifically for fitness (Lycra tights topped with brightly colored leggings, leg warmers and exercise bands), and celebrities are starting to cash in on fitness videos.

Jane Fonda's workout video was released in 1982 and became one of the best-selling VHS tapes of all time.

The menswear trend of the 1980s

Compared to the flamboyance and complexity of women's wear in the 1980s, men's fashion shows a more sober and classic style. As the disco of the '70s faded, fashion returned to classic tailoring.

Giorgio Armani's designs for Richard Gere in the 1980 film "American Gigolo" ushered in a revolution in menswear, with men abandoning bell-bottoms and oversized collars, A return to simpler and more fitted styles.

These men's fashion choices are driven less by Seventh Avenue trends and more by the Wall Street elite.

Their pursuit of classic, timeless and sophisticated dress styles reflected the redefinition of success and status in society at the time.

However, men can dabble in a variety of trends that often mirror women's fashion (and vice versa).

They can choose to wear pinstriped suits, double-breasted coats, wide lapels and ties to project an elegant and sophisticated yuppie demeanor. Alternatively, they can opt for khaki pants and preppy knitwear for a casual yet stylish look.

In the 1980s, hip-hop music emerged; This music genre not only appeared on the stage, but also redefined the stage. Hip-hop isn't just a musical style, it's a movement with its own look, with Harlem's Dapper Dan providing outfits for The likes of LL Cool J, The Fat Boys, Jam Master Jay and Big Daddy Kane.

Kangol bucket hats, gold chains, acid-washed jeans, and jogging clothes (Run DMC prefers Adidas tracksuits) became hallmarks of the hip hop style and influenced fashion as the decade progressed.

Cultural trend

In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in a luxurious wedding dress with leg of lamb sleeves designed by David and Elizabeth Emanue. The dress would define wedding dress styles for the next decade, but beyond that, Princess Diana's style, every look, every choice of clothing, even his hair, was watched and imitated. That same year, MTV was born, and music was consumed in a whole new way.

In 1985, Madonna became a music and fashion icon for her eclectic style in the film Desperately Seeking Susan. At The same time, teen culture flourished with films tailored for teens such as "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink."

Related recommendations


User Login

Register Account