It's Al About the '80s They say fashion goes in cycles. Luckily, there are some trends that never return to the runways: boxy shoulder pads, acid wash denim, Hawaiian shirts, feathered bangs... Jellies. The list goes on and on. All of these gems hail from the ‘80s, a time of bold colors and a lot of Lycra. This era did, however, produce some trends worth revisiting. Leggings, off-theshoulder tops, fingerless gloves, and leg warmers are ubiquitous today. These retro styles come from dancewear fashion that was popularized by Madonna’s sense of style, films like Flashdance, and the aerobics craze. They pay homage to a cultural period of many misses, but plenty of hits.
Photos by
Matthew Murphy Fashion Styling by Derek Warburton Styling Assistant Mario Corrales, Jr.
Hair Styling by
Keiffer
p op divas, old and new, highlight the relevance of ‘80s fashion. From mini-skirts and leggings to lingerie outerwear, the Material Girl was a fashion force to be reckoned with from the time she burst out of the New York City club scene. Madonna has continuously showcased workout gear, leotards, and lacy undergarments in her twenty year career. Cover art for her most recent album, Hard Candy, is reminiscent of her look in the early ‘80s, infused with more edge, depicting a woman in a boxing ring wearing little more than a black leotard, fishnets, and a chunky belt. Celebrity fashion icons like this pop queen both reflect and dictate popular fashion. With the retail industry as a conduit, these trends are made accessible to the masses. In part, we have American Apparel to thank. The Los Angeles-based clothing line, which opened its retail stores in 2003, is centered around key pieces of retro fashion, including colorful t-shirts, sweatshirts, tube dresses, leggings, and underwear. With no logos or graphics on any of their products, one would think identifying the brand would be difficult. But by saturating the world with an ‘80s rainbow of fabrics usually reserved for Barbie, the pro-labor, socially conscious business has made itself a driving force in the fashion world, offering affordable basics that challenge the muted khakis and blacks of the Gap and, in the process, created a niche all their own. Add racy advertisements, which have enough contorted limbs to be the cover of a porn video, into the mix, and the company provides just the right amount of controversy to keep the public buzzing. American Apparel’s ideology embodies the hipster sensibility, which emerged in the late ‘90s and is still going strong. It has been a perfect vehicle to drive ‘80s dancewear into popular fashion. With its built-in irony and irreverence for the mainstream, hipster wear embraces the absurdity of legwarmers on a summer day, outrageous, clashing neon sportswear, and gold lamé leggings. A wide range of looks, ‘80s dancewear can be form fitting and feminine or layered and edgy. Though most people wouldn’t feel comfortable sporting a leotard and glove ensemble like Beyoncé did in her video for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)”--in which she revived Michael Jackson’s iconic single glove with a modern day twist--there are choices for everyone. Selected accessories like a headband that can make you a member of Jane Fonda’s workout team, or a set of bangle bracelets can be incorporated into most wardrobes. Clothes made out of cotton, velour, and soft, stretchy materials, are particularly comfortable and affordable. In these tough economic times, spending twenty dollars on a pair of leggings is more practical than purchasing designer jeans. Whether bohemian chic, punk rock, or sexy and sophisticated, ‘80s clothing can find a place in any closet. Lauren Brown
American Ballet Theatre: abt.org Matthew Murphy: rantingdetails.com Derek Warburton: dereklovesshopping.com
Make up by Darrell Thorne Featuring Performers from American Ballet Theatre The Prince Marcelo Gomes Black Swan Misty Copeland White Swans Mary Mills Thomas, Jacquelyn Reyes
From left to right: Mary Mills Thomas White Top, Maison Martin Margiela White Leggings, Maison Martin Margiela Lace Gloves, Ricky’s Jewelry, Aldo Jacquelyn Reyes White Dress, Givenchy Jewelry, Aldo Marcelo Gomes Silver Shirt, Jean Paul Gaultier Black Trousers, Jean Paul Gaultier Shoes, Dior Black Gloves, Patricia Fields Crown, Ricky’s Misty Copeland Halter Slip, Dolce & Gabbana Pants, Dolce & Gabbana Leggings, Dolce & Gabbana Black Belt, Aldo Jewelry, Aldo
