MUSICAL STYLES OF THE 1980s

Heavy Metal Image – Leathers (studded or otherwise), black HM T-shirt, spiked/gelled or long ‘rocker’ style hair. Heavy use of eyeliner and dark colour make-up.

New Romantic – Fashion harked back to the 1700s with full frilly shirts, baggy trousers and big hair. Examples –

• ADAM ANT
• DURAN DURAN
• SPANDAU BALLET.

New Wave – GARY NUMAN

Pop – WHAM!

Punk, Examples –

• SEX PISTOLS
• SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES
• TOYAH WILLCOX – Various punk costumes & accessories available.

Rock – PINK FLOYD ‘THE WALL’

POP ICONS OF THE 1980s

Adam Ant – Following an acrimonious split from his punk band, Adam developed his own unique style of Ant Music, based on the use of African drums. The trademark white stripe across the nose, black eyeliner and black curly hair with ribbons, can be seen across all his solo videos, although costumes were divesrse

Militaristic-style jacket for ‘King of the Wild Frontier’

Pantomime-cum Georgian style for ‘Prince Charming’

Dandy Highwayman for ‘Stand and Deliver’

For a ‘couple’ set, check out the ‘Puss-in-Boots’ video, where Adam plays a rat!
Bananarama – All-girl group that pre-dated the Spice Girls by a decade. ‘Style’ was more in the hair and make-up than the odd clothing (dungarees on one occasion).
Boy George – Popular lead singer of the 1980s group Culture Club. He developed his own unique fashion style, based on baggy clothing, ribbons, large hats and feminine-style make-up.
Bucks Fizz Performer – This British group were winners of the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with their song, ‘Making Your Mind Up’ Female: Bright coloured skirts (short and long) plus matching top. Male: White trousers and brightly coloured jumper.
Cyndi Lauper – ‘Girl’s just want to have fun’ and Cyndi Lauper certainly did when it comes to 1980s fashion.
Freddy Mercury – ‘A Kind of Magic’ (White trousers/yellow buckled jacket), I Want to Break Free (Mini-skirted housewife!)
KISS – Stadium rock group noted for their distinctive facial make-up designs: Demon, Space-man, Star-Child and Cat-man.
Madonna – (1984  to present day) Madonna started her career with the film ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’ and was one of the first stars of the MTV generation.  During the 1980s, probably her most iconic looks were for the following songs:

Like a Virgin – White sleeveless lace wedding dress wioth fingerless gloves

Material Girl – Image based on Marilyn Monroe’s pink gown in ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’
MC Hammer – ‘Can’t Touch This’. Rapper star noted for stage outfits featuring voluminous parachute pants, notably in gold.
Michael Jackson –     ‘Bad’ (Black leather-look jacket & jeans)

‘Billie Jean’ (black evening suit, pink shirt & red bowtie)

‘Black Military-style jacket plus silver glove

‘Thriller’. White suit & black shirt (album cover)(Red/Black PVC or Werewolf)
Prince – The artist who changed his name to ‘symbol’ in the 1990s. Best known for his purple suit.
Tina Turner – Had a string of solo hits during the 1980s, including Private Dancer; We Don’t Need Another Hero ( From Mad Max/Thunderdome) & What’s Love Got To Do With It?  Wigs and costumes available.
Toyah Willcox – Brightly coloured hair, various punk-style outfits and striking make-up and tribal face-paint style designs create the Toyah look.