Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Monday | October 19, 2009
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FASHION - How the '80s was styled
Tanya C. Ellis, Freelance Fashion Writer


Twiggy-esque-inspired look, cinched waist and all.

If I could turn back the hands of time, I would want to be a woman of the '80s. I would proudly walk down the street in the light of day, wearing a Fame-like ensemble of sparkling, loose, low riding hammer-style pants, off-the-shoulder midriff baring sweater with cap sleeves and a wide roll-neck. This would be accessorised with huge poodle-groomed hair bouncing around my neck against the width of my shoulders (mostly so with extensions).

Perhaps, I would even wear a high-powered suit with heavily padded shoulders to the office in a bid to outdo Dynasty's own Joan Collins - no such thing as "over the top" when it comes to a strong square poise, and women of style know the importance of keeping the shoulders pulled back, or at least they are aware of the one staple that can create the picture-perfect delusion-shoulder pads.

Sure-to-sell concepts

On this note, I am confident that no one will disagree with me. It may well be that just like the last recession was in the '80s, so designers are revamping and relaunching older sure-to-sell concepts as a way to tempt those who-must-spend into handing over the plastic, in return for amazingly beautiful, super-sexy, yet deceivably un-innovative styles. All in favour will shout hooray to this cemented renaissance of style. The timing, just like the popular plastic, is priceless!

Oh wait, if we are talking '80s, how dare I forget the ultra-mini, fully loaded in sequins, studs, extra large buttons and barely skimming the bum! But this I would leave until the party clock starts to tick at midnight, and I am aiming to look ultimately sexy in a Twiggy-esque-inspired look, cinched waist and all.

Now, after three, I will snap my fingers, and you will wake up to realise that these darlings of the '80s have once again flashed forward to excite us with a timeless fashion statement that will no doubt cover us comfortably throughout the rest of the year when, just like the '80s, there are bound to be some curious stares from those who have never been capable of pulling off Alexis Carrington the way Joan Collins could.


The ultra mini, fully loaded in sequins, studs, extra large buttons and barely skimming the bum! - photos by Tanya Ellis


The picture- perfect delusion shoulder pads.

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