If we’ve learned anything from the life cycle of trends over the years, it’s that everything always comes back into style eventually. From the stark resurgence of the early aughts to the ever-present influence of decades like the ’70s, designers are clearly taking notes from the past. The 1980s, in particular, had a major impact on modern fashion, with enduring muses like Grace Jones, Madonna, and Bianca Jagger. And today, plenty of the signature staples of the 1980s, like biker shorts, bold-shoulder blazers, and taffeta eveningwear, are everywhere. In a post-Phoebe Philo era where neutral palettes and minimal silhouettes were king, the ’80s influences in the early 2010s gave the market a renewed sense of bold color stories and playful dressing many would argue was missing from the industry for decades.
Brynn Jones, owner of Aralda Vintage in Los Angeles, where actresses like Alexa Demie and Taylor Russell shop for archival designer finds, has always been inspired by the boldness of the era. In an interview, she tells us how she particularly loves, “the structured silhouettes, abstract and playful shapes,” and, “the unapologetic glamour and all of the statement pieces made to command the room.” Like many of us who are enamored with the time period, Jones can’t help but gush over the accessories. “The hats! The earrings! The brooches! The belts! The gloves!” she says. “Some of my favorite accessories from that era were made by Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Karl Lagerfeld. Also, sunglasses by Alain Mikli, Issey Miyake, and Kenzo.”
When it comes to her favorite collections, Jones says Thierry Mugler instantly comes to mind. “He ruled the ’80s. His fall 1984 show is what fashion fantasy dreams are made of. Pat Cleveland descended from the ceiling in a glistening gown looking like an ethereal angel. She was pregnant for that show and coincidentally was supposed to be representing the Virgin Mary.” She also loves the Issey Miyake fall 1981 collection, particularly the famous blue plastic bodice (which she actually has in her personal collection). As for her favorite ’80s fashion pop culture moments, she says, “Anything Grace Jones ever wore,” like, “the looks that Azzedine Alaïa created for her character May Day in the 1985 Bond movie A View to Kill.”
For those interested in expanding their ’80s fashion history knowledge into less mainstream territory, Jones suggests looking into Claude Montana’s work. “I think he is underrated as a designer, and his designs embody the chic, powerful, and aspirational ’80s woman.” There’s also ’80s Kenzo, which she feels is “under celebrated.” In addition, we recommend revisiting some of the best style moments from the decade below and shopping our well-curated selection of key pieces to help you re-create the ’80s look.