1980s Fashion: Madonna, Princess Diana And Doc Martens

1980s Fashion: Madonna, Princess Diana And Doc Martens

1980s style was inspired by musicians of the era like Madonna whose tulle skirts over leggings, bustier tops, underwear as outerwear, religious iconography jewellery, beaded necklaces, hair bows and fishnet gloves were emulated around the world.

Athletic-inspired fashions - from baggy sweatshirts and track suits to leg warmers - became everyday staples and offered a contrast to the business-orientated "power dressing", which featured huge shoulder pads and colourful suits.

Punk dressing continued, incorporating Doc Martens and motorcycle boots, tartan, political slogan tees and studded leather belts. In Britain, the New Romantic movement emerged as a reaction against punk, with singers like Boy George embracing gender-bending fashions and a kind of glam rock revival.

Other key style icons in the 1980s included Michael Jackson, whose record-breaking Thriller album helped popularised studded leather jackets and fingerless gloves. On the other side of the spectrum and ocean, Princess Diana favoured statement-shoulder evening gowns and ladylike suits by Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein, Bruce Oldfield and, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who designed her iconic lace and taffeta wedding dress worn in 1981.

By Brogan Driscoll & Jen Barton

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