1980’s The New Romantics

The 80’s saw a great recession and political depression in the UK. The peoples response to this was to dress with optimism and enthusiasm. Vivienne Westwood and Malcom McLaren made inspired clothes that projected wealth and escapism.

Westwood and McLaren shone a light on the social minorities; Apache Indians, Pirates, Louis Couture figures, their mode of living style and dress. Adam and the Ants also riffed on the Apache Indian theme with the make-up stripes on his cheeks.

However, this was not a look exclusive for the stage. This was how kids dressed on the streets.

Artist Boy George embraced the look also. Printed tops were becoming cheaper to manufacture and everyone began ripping off the look. One of the most popular places to celebrate the era of The New Romantics was The Blitz nightclub in Covent Garden. This gave birth to a generation known as the Blitz Kids.

It took new romanticism to new heights, androgynous dress-up; an escape from boredom, low paying jobs and unemployment. Westwood found a nice in modernising 18th Century dress, but with a bright, rich looking, very street aesthetic.

In times of deep austerity, fashion became the hope of Britain.

Music and Fashion were symbiotic now more so than ever. They were two separate art-forms sharing the same movement. It was an era of nostalgia of mud. The look comprised of colourful stockings, pirate boots, silky culottes, many belts, pirate blouse and a cape, bangles and bracelets, scarf, new romantics make up. A pirate hat with some feathers.

Above: Annabella Lwin poster child for New Romantics

It was an era of nostalgia of mud. The look comprised of colourful stockings, pirate boots, silky culottes, many belts, pirate blouse and a cape, bangles and bracelets, scarf, new romantics make up. A pirate hat with some feathers.

Who are your favourite style icons of the 80s? We’ll go into that into another article.