Madonna's signature accessories

Madonna was a huge influence on fashion in the 1980s. This picture is the perfect representation of some of the small but key accessories she brought into fashion. The image portrays the endless rubber bracelets she would wear which could sometimes reach her elbows! The headband tied into a bow to create that cute but cool look. The lace gloves, which created a massive eighties trend, whether that was lace gloves or the use of lace in general. Finally Madonna wears the religious jewellery that is still seen sometimes in modern day.

Jamie Reid

Jamie Reid born in England 1947, is a graphic designer and visual art activist. Jamie was educated at St John Ruskin Grammar School in Croydon.
Jamie is popularly known for being associated with the Anarchist and Situationist movements of Europe and specifically England of pre sixties.
The dictionary definition of an Anarchism is as followed: 'The political belief that there should be little or no formal or official organization to society but that people should work freely together'.
This was the belief that Jamie followed.
Reid was involved in the designing of the political magazine Suburban Press in the seventies. This began the development of his signature typography of clipped newspaper lettering in the form of  ransom notes (using an excessive number of fonts side by side).
A huge part of Jamie's fame is his connection to the 1970s Punk rock band 'Sex Pistols'. He produced several prints for album covers of theirs including, 'Never mind the bollocks' 'Here's the Sex Pistols' 'Anarchy in the UK' 'Pretty vacant' 'Holidays in the sun' and 'God save the Queen'. 'God save the Queen' was described from a writer in the newspaper of the time 'The Observer' as the 'single most iconic image of the punk era' due to the visual having a photograph of Queen Elizabeth II with a safety pin added through her nose and swastikas in her eyes. It was certainly something that had never been done before!

 

Giles Deacon

Giles Deacon, born in Darlington, England in 1969 is a British fashion designer. Giles took his studies in Central Saint Martins and graduated in 1992. Between the years of 1998-2002 he was employed with the huge fashion houses, Bottega Veneta and Gucci. Giles first collection was presented at London Fashion week, this collection went on to feature in American, British, Japanese, Italian and French Vogue, as well as W, Harper's Bazaar, POP and i-D, so it could be said it was quite a success!

 

The above is a clip of Giles AW14 collection at London Fashion week. The designer portrays statement, playful, confidence giving clothes. Giles manages to emphasis femininity whilst keeping it fun. There is a contrast of bright to darker colours involved in the fashion, a variety of the fitted to the boxy flare and different textures from leather to satin. Naturist prints is a common trend in this particular collection.
I really enjoyed watching this Giles Deacon clip and only wish I was there for real to get the full front experience!

My trip to Camden!

One of the memorable stores of Camden for me is definitely 'Cyberdog'.  Cyberdog is for those of a unique, individualistic style. Their clothing range interprets, vibrant colours, wacky shapes and randomized design patterns. If you aim to stand out from the crowd and make statements through your fashion Cyberdog is in my opinion the place to go as it is all simply so extraordinary.
The shop is classed as a rave store, which certainly came across to me. Luminous, flashing disco lights and loud, party music is always on the go, which made my experience of the store really enjoyable. It was different from any store I had been in before due to these things.

Vintage is a massive trend throughout many stores in Camden. The vintage I saw throughout my trip included a wide spread of design features like, frill, lace, denim, patchwork and much more. It is an old-fashioned style that never goes away. It appears classic and traditional on the body.
Vintage is a perfect example of how fashion has its comebacks. I saw many items that were a popular buy decades ago and are now, again popular in modern day. One of these being the phenomenal Levi Jeans and shorts, that are still worn by a range of generations.

Review- Oh! You pretty things: The story of fashion and music: Image

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0278xxg

The above link shows a short clip to one scene of the documentary. I chose to show you this clip as it is my favourite by far, purely because of the humour to it. It also heavily portrays how bands influenced trends onto ordinary people much like today. This clip zooms in on the 1980s band 'Dexys midnight runners', fan of theirs Neil talks about how his mother used to make Dexy style inspired knitted hats for his school friends from which he kept the money and spent it on the bands records!
This episodes documentary of  'Oh! You pretty things' main focus was 'Image'. The 3 main images I discovered or better known as subcultures was; 'Punk' being adapted into the 'New Romantics' by becoming much more flamboyant in music and fashion style. 'The Blitz'  a group of young people who frequented the weekly Blitz club-night in Covent garden 1979-80 were credited for the launching of the New Romantics. The Blitz shortly found themselves bored with the punk genre and introduced Roxy music, and David Bowie nights to the club, in hope of finding something new and exciting. People soon took to wearing bizarre home-made costumes and emphasised make-up, creating a highly androgynous appearance. This become home of the New Romantics movement.


'Geek Chic' was a second newly introduced subculture, which came to our attention due to the band 'Orchestral Manoeuvres in the dark' (OMD). They were discovered when they brought out their hit 'Enola Gay' selling 5 million copies. The song was ironic really as it was actually the name of a plane which had dropped an atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Which therefore meant people were dancing to death. OMDs style was in fact extremely plain and ordinary. They aimed to buy boring clothes from your everyday high street store. Their common look was monochrome shirts, sensible side partings and a 'nice' tie. Their desire was not to create a popular followed, fashion although they did... they brought on the birth of Geek Chic!

The final subculture of the 80s was 'Hip hop/house'. This was influenced by 'Soul II Soul'. Jazzy B was the mind behind them, aspiring to create a fresh, new, vibrant style. He wanted that balance between casual and formal. For those who couldn't get enough of casual clothing he inspired baggy trousers, oversized t-shirts and trainers for an overall street look. For those with a more formal aesthetic he adapted business suits, giving them that edge that most envied.

My overall feelings towards the documentary compared to the previous ones I have seen, is that I didn't personally find it as interesting and as informing on all aspects. I gathered a lot of information on subcultures as you can see from the above, therefore if you are interested on subcultures of the 1980s then this documentary is for you! However other topics such as trends and designers, the documentary was not so helpful for.

Crazes

Craze: This is something people feel they need to have or be a part of when it is new. Although crazes only last a short period of time. Crazes with much relevance to the name can be looked back at as being crazy and ' a moment of madness' because of this they are often regretted. Some people have their own personal crazes.

Fads

Fads: These are very popular at the time to all types of people. However once they have gone out of fashion, they will not return. Fads can be a variety of things from clothing to games as you can see from the above.

Trends

Trends: Something which repeats itself throughout decades, by making comebacks in the fashion world. Trends are long lasting things. They can be followed nationally and internationally and will always been accessible in high street stores. Examples of trends in the above are cropped wear, converse and false nails.

80s neon

Neon was a hugely emphasised trend of the late 1980s. It was interpreted into everyday clothing, fitness wear and plastic accessories. With its go-good groovy feel and easy move material it was definitely for everyone, whether that being man or woman. Neon in the 80s was worn fairly plain as an overall colour as you see in the above. In modern day neon is involved in a different way mainly in prints and patterns, this way it is more calm and sets a less outgoing aesthetic.
All trends of the time revolved around those florescent day-glow colours. Retro became popular purely because the colours used in its style, along with many others.


Jane Fonda; a massive fitness star of the time helped contribute to the popularity of the neon trend, as she was commonly seen wearing it in her fitness videos.

The Iconic MJ

Michael Jackson, or so it has been said 'The king of pop' was an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. Many have asked over time, is there any thing he cant do? and the common answer: no! His commitment towards music, dance and fashion made him a worldwide figure for over four decades, becoming a dominant figure in musical culture in the early 80s.
Before life as a solo artist Michael was a member of The Jackson 5 along with his older brothers, who became popular in 1964. Little did he known it The Jackson 5 was just the beginning of his life in the professional music career.

Michael brought out music Videos 'Beat it' 'Billie Jean' and 'Thriller' all in the year 1982 from his album 'Thriller' that credited him for the breaking down of the racial barrier at the time. He then brought out following videos like 'Black or White' which helped him to continue the medium.

Another reason for Michaels legacy was his beloved, phenomenon of the moonwalk. The video above reveals his first ever performance of it to 'Billie Jean' on the 25th anniversary special of motown. Michael is who has forever since made the moonwalk live on. Other pop stars in todays decade have re-performed it like Lady Gaga. Although no one has ever beaten Michaels natural rhythm and dance flare.

Michael always made statements in his fashion. It was in the 'Thriller' music video realised in 1982 which captured the eyes of the public, when he surprised the nation with a red leather suit, which we all know of today. Around the time everyone became obsessed with the pop star and many began to wish they were him. Perhaps they couldn't pull of the red leather in the way Michael did! I believe Michael is a huge contribution to the reason of leather being a crazed trend ever since.

 

Michael Jackson was definitely not for everyone, however we cannot deny his unforgettable, multiple talents.