The images above are not from 30 years ago. They are fresh off the international runways emitting an 80s decadence so BIG you cannot ignore. Shoulder pads. Flat tops. Androgyny. Leather. Fringe. I have MTV’s “I Love the 80s” computer voice intro ringing in my head as I look at these images. I was born in the 80s and went through some of the fashion trends with innocent dignity (over-sized sweaters with tight black stir-ups, jazz pants even when I wasn’t dancing), but I was very young, too young to get into boxy jackets, enormous shoulder pads and androgyny of the time. These silhouettes have humor, are ironic, bold and brazen. Do they make you nostalgic for the good old days or simply want to never see shoulder pads again?
Oct 8, 2009, 03.32 AMby HandmadebyHeidi
I’d prefer to never see shoulder pads again. Yikes!
2 Replies
Oct 8, 2009, 06.02 PMby ali-krysta
never ever again thanks! The worst ever things to come from that decade without a doubt!
Oct 9, 2009, 05.22 AMby belle31971
I hated them so much I cut every one of them out of my shirts!
Oct 8, 2009, 10.19 PMby sandrasews
The new take on 80’s isn’t all good. But loving those Balmain shoulders.
Oct 8, 2009, 10.35 PMby EmilyKate
The 80s were my Punky Brewster Emulation Years. I think that’s not a look that will come back.
Oct 9, 2009, 02.31 PMby wzrdreams
These new shoulder pads are different than the 80’s/Dallas shoulder pads. The new Balmain look is higher rather than wider. I think it’s a subtle difference that makes it more feminine than it was in the 80s. It’s more victorian feeling.
1 Reply
Oct 13, 2009, 02.24 PMby alisondahl
I agree with you there, as well as Balmain, Balenciaga makes a beautiful shoulder, it is sharp and nicely tailored, flattering and not too wide at all like the “Dallas” shoulder.
Oct 10, 2009, 12.09 AMby passthepins
i have a friend that has been dressing like this for years. The look is great on him.. but he is over 6 feet tall, and skinny as anything. sigh..
Some of it i love, but dont know how wearable it is really…
Oct 10, 2009, 07.41 AMby will.james
as much as i love the 80s – it should stay in the 80s
Oct 10, 2009, 04.16 PMby Jorge Cohen
It is cyclic! shoulder pads comes and goes, we need to create something new that fits to our decade.
wake up guys, we are in 21st Century!
Oct 11, 2009, 05.16 PMby AllyGally
Oooh… I knew this was coming when we started seeing puff sleeves and ruffles on everything, not to mention leggings. Some of it I like, some I don’t. I think it does have a modern spin on it, and I’m curious where it will go.
Oct 12, 2009, 05.48 PMby FAIRYTALE-THIRTEEN
I UPCYCLED AN 80’S FRANK USHER RED TOP WITH – HUGE SHOULDER PADS – INTO A MINI DRESS FOR A PARTY I WENT TO ON SATURDAY NIGHT – IT FELT AMAZING AND I GOT LOTS OF COMPLIMENTS – FASHION IS A HUGE CIRCLE JUST LIKE LIFE!! X
Oct 14, 2009, 11.00 AMby ladykatza
I dislike the 80’s (except the goth/retro look) because it was not suited for my body type, AT ALL.
Oct 14, 2009, 07.05 PMby Alden
I have always been self conscious about my broad shoulders, when i explained this to my dad he said, “well lucky for you shoulder pads are back in fashion” so I, for one, don’t mind the big shoulder trend.
I think if done well, it can be classic and elegant but it is SO easy to go wrong with these styles, whether it be body type, wrong colors, or outrageous outfits (i’m guilty of all of these) that it wont be flattering on the majority of the clothes wearing population.