Category: 1980-1989

Overview

1980-1989

1980-1989, 20th century, decade overview

All Entries

1983 featured a flashback to the 1940s with menswear influences like strong shoulder pads and oversized coats. The overall look of the year is accentuated by the power belt that minimizes the waist and emphasizes the hips. In summary, volume fashion was a hit.

1948-1987 – Willi Smith

1970-1979, 1980-1989, BIPOC, designer profile, LGBTQ+

Willi Smith was the popularly renowned designer behind Williwear, a womenswear line that opened in 1976. He was known for his innovative blend of the newly-emerging concept of streetwear with high fashion.

1982

1980-1989, 20th century, year overview

1982 was a year filled with dramatic and bold fashions. The biggest trends of the year were statement patterns, exaggerated sleeves, broad power shoulders, vibrant colors, and oversized costume jewelry.

1986 – Patrick Kelly, Sleeveless black dress with buttons

1980-1989, 20th century, BIPOC, garment analysis, LGBTQ+

Patrick Kelly is remembered for his skin-tight dresses, design affinity for buttons and hearts, and his joyous attitude — all which are manifested in this 1986 dress.

1981 – David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress

1980-1989, 20th century, garment analysis

Princess Diana’s wedding dress, made by the Emanuel Salon, combines historical inspirations and a fairytale look with strict royal tradition. Its influence on the bridal world can still be seen today.

1954-1990 – Patrick Kelly

1980-1989, 20th century, BIPOC, designer profile, LGBTQ+

Patrick Kelly was the first American designer ever to be admitted to the Chambre Syndicale du Prêt-à-Porter, which governs the French ready-to-wear industry. He unapologetically incorporated his Southern Roots, racial imagery, and expressions of Black joy into his designs; stating “I want my clothes to make you smile.”

1984 – Jean Paul Gaultier, Cone bra corset dress

1980-1989, 20th century, garment analysis, LGBTQ+

Jean Paul Gaultier’s ruched velvet dresses represented a 1980s riff on the 1950s bullet bra, taken to sexual and material extremes.

David Bowie Is

1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, 20th century, 21st century, blog

An exhibition about the internationally acclaimed artist David Bowie (1947-2016) faces its final curtain call at the Brooklyn Museum.

1989 – Nicola Bowery, Ensemble

1980-1989, 20th century, garment analysis

This ensemble was created by Nicola Bowery out of repurposed Gap denim jacket and Levi’s jeans. During the 1970s and 1980s, Punks and New Romantics would repurpose garments to breathe more personality and creativity into them to show their individuality.