Colorful Retro Geometry

Today I’m happy to announce a new series on Mirror80. Ever wanted to immerse yourself in a specific retro motif or aesthetic? We’re starting with colorful geometry that channels a party vibe. The image above (from Tumblr My Pastel Paradise) serves as inspiration. If the look is vibrant and festive, it’s a perfect fit!

Fashion

It’s hard to look at the poster at the top of the post and not want to plan a fun night out. What to wear?… maybe Lionel Richie and his dancers can help you in that department! Do yourself a favor and press play:

While we’re on the topic of ’80s fashion, here are a couple of designer prints that can definitely provide a big dose of retro inspiration (both featured in 1980s Fashion Print by Marnie Fogg). First up: Helios, a pattern designed by Ingela Hakansson for the 1983 Megaphone collection by Tio Gruppen. Check out more ’80s patterns and prints here.

And even though it’s technically not fashion, when I saw Jazz, it was love at first sight! A screen-printed pattern for furnishings designed by Britt-Marie Christoffersson for the 1980 “Play” collection by Tio Gruppen, this design is as whimsical as it is angular. You’ll see it again in the next section of the post:

Cocktail Hour

We’ve got the fashion covered, so it’s time for a cocktail before a night on the town. Who’s with me?! [image from Mirror80’s summer playlist]

Recognize the napkins on the right in the photo below? Yes, they feature the ’80s Jazz pattern you saw in the section above. A big thanks to IKEA for rereleasing the pattern as part of their 2017 AVSIKTLIG collection. Learn more about the collection in this post.

Don’t forget the coasters! Here’s something new to throw into mix: terrazzo coasters from Cool Machine!

If you’re looking for ’80s cocktail ideas, check out these 3 drinks from the Decade of Decadence! Follow the link for more photos like the one below. Keep the look retro with plastic straws instead of fancy paper ones. Party straws weren’t really a huge thing in the ’80s. Bendy straws were!

Dinner, Dancing and More

With cocktails and appetizers under your belt, it’s time to head out for a delicious meal. If it were the mid-’80s, the obvious choice would be Bandito Ditto in New York, featured in Restaurant Design [1987]. (photo via Tumblr Palm & Laser)

And after, maybe drinks and dancing at a place like this… Learn more about New Zealand’s Palladium Nightclub here. [photo credit: Nick Te Paa]

And finally, when you return home, it’s time for a relaxing soak in the tub. If you have black and white tile in your powder room, even better! [photo from Bath Design, 1986, via Tumblr Palm & Laser]

Don’t forget that you can add a touch of vibrant geometric style to your home with a variety of retro and new decor finds. New Memphis ceramics are a big trend, and I love the work of Recreation Center (including the tumbler below).