Category: 1980-1989
Overview
All Entries
1948-1987 – Willi Smith
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.
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1986 – Patrick Kelly, Sleeveless black dress with buttons
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.
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1981 – David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Princess Diana’s Wedding Dress
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.
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1954-1990 – Patrick Kelly
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.”
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1984 – Jean Paul Gaultier, Cone bra corset dress
Jean Paul Gaultier’s ruched velvet dresses represented a 1980s riff on the 1950s bullet bra, taken to sexual and material extremes.
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David Bowie Is
An exhibition about the internationally acclaimed artist David Bowie (1947-2016) faces its final curtain call at the Brooklyn Museum.
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1989 – Nicola Bowery, Ensemble
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.
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Recent Essays
fezIn 19th century, Asia, F, term definition
1883 – Charles Frederick Worth, red silk satin and velvet dinner dressIn 1880-1889, 19th century, garment analysis
15th century – Late Byzantine Silk Damask Dress and Taffeta TunicIn 15th century, Byzantine, garment analysis
The Fez and the Ottoman Path to ModernityIn 19th century, 20th century, thematic essays
1869 – Red Silk DressIn 1860-1869, 19th century, garment analysis