Today’s Friday Video Pick comes from the vibrant world of Swatch. This Australian ad features the best of ’80s design…in-your-face colors, quick bursts of flashy geometry, and…a street carnival setting? The commercial is “set” in Vienna, which clearly inspired an Old Word-meets-modern vibe. Attempts to jazz it up with glass block and neon lighting prove quite interesting
The Art of Francesco Mancin
Today we are delighted to spotlight the art of Italian graphic designer and videomaker Francesco Mancin. Art, music, fashion and film inspire his work, as does the style of the renowned 1980s design collective The Memphis Group. A talented artist, Mancin has created numerous posters that celebrate Memphis design while adding a contemporary touch to ’80s motifs. Modern yet retro, Mancin’s work exemplifies the artful blend of past and present.
’80s-Style Acrylic Furniture from Alexandra Von Furstenberg
If you think the image above is a set piece from the movie Tron, think again. This acrylic desk is one of many stunning pieces offered by designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg. Once married to the son of designer Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexandra has made a name for herself by creating a series of colorful acrylic furnishings. Our favorite part: many of these showpieces have a distinct ’80s vibe!
Friday Video Pick: “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by the Pet Shop Boys
For today’s Friday Video Pick, we spotlight the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have a I Done to Deserve This?,” a track featuring the vocals of Dusty Springfield. Filmed in a music hall, this 1987 video makes use of chorus girls and theater curtains to keep the action moving, then culminates in a dramatic stage finale.
’80s Treasures from Lobel Modern
In our last post, we featured the New York City apartment of designer Evan Lobel, which showcases an assortment of luxe ’80s finds. Today we spotlight the treasures offered in his Bond Street store Lobel Modern, which offers furnishings and decor from the 1940s-1980s. With an eye for large-scale items that capture the decadence and elegance of our favorite decade, Evan Lobel is bringing a love of ’80s design to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Are the ’80s the Next Mid-Century?
Today we travel back in time, but not to the ’80s… Our date of choice is May 13, 2007, when the New York Times published an article titled “The Next Mid-Century.” Guess which decade was the focus? You got it–the decade of decadence! In the article, writer David Colman discussed ’80s designers/decorators like Karl Springer, Angelo Donghia, Charles Hollis Jones and Michael Taylor. In fact, these designers often had pieces custom-made for their clients. And yes, it’s still out there, ready to be collected by a new set of design enthusiasts!
Wild About ’80s Tropical Fashion!
Bring on the Jams. Round up your Ocean Pacific surf wear… Summer is on the way, and retailers are celebrating with ’80s-style tropical fashion!
Awesome ’80s-Style Shelving Options
I keep coming across shelving options that scream ’80s. Perhaps it’s the geometry of the pieces, or maybe it’s the use of lacquer, gloss and mirrors. Definitely for bolder design tastes, these display items are scene-stealers. One thing is for sure: my collection of ’80s ceramic swans would look amazing against the backdrop of chrome and glass!
Friday Video Pick: “So Unreal” by LA Vampires Featuring Matrix Metals
Today’s Friday Video Pick is a new piece that’s exploding with ’80s motifs. Grids, LaserDiscs, Trapper Keeper-ish graphic design and references to artist Patrick Nagel are a few of the many 1980s flourishes packed into this six-minute style fest featuring LA Vampires. There’s even a plasma ball that may as well have been plucked from the shelves of The Sharper Image in all of its electrified glory.
Swatch Watch Mania!
They are works of art with a wristband. They are slices of ’80s graphic design heaven. They are Swatch Watches, and they’re back! Did you wear two Swatches at once? Did you own a Swatch guard? After all, who needs to see the face of your watch if you can protect it with a neon statement in rubber. The good news: thanks to eBay, Etsy and vendors like SwatchandBeyond.com, you can hunt down the Swatch that got away.
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