A still from the video for "I Eat Cannibals" by Toto Coelo
Since we spent last week exploring ’80s tribal fashion and we’re getting ready to celebrate ’80s jungle style, here’s a little primal ditty from British group Toto Coelo (known in America as Total Coelo). They’re not wearing cheetah print frocks or hanging from vines, but the neon hut, palm trees and rhythmic chanting certainly give the piece a jungle-like feel.
The band’s name is a Latin phrase that translates to “by the whole extent of the heavens” and conjures a variety of interpretations, including sheer uniqueness. Its American transformation to “Total Coelo” was to prevent fans from confusing the band with the American group Toto. Although Toto certainly wasn’t a group of strong female performers in glossy costumes… Toto Coelo thrived in the early ’80s–fans responded to their contagious energy, personality-packed performances, synchronized dance moves and coordinated fashion ensembles.
As you watch, be on the lookout for:
- clothing that looks primitively ripped yet highly polished at the same time–hot pink, lemon yellow, jet black, mint green and powder blue have never looked so good together
- hair gone wild (in a good way), with an assortment of items–some of them shredded–carefully placed in and protruding from each mane
- socks gone wild, or maybe it’s the shoes; either way, band members’ feet are as ornamented as their heads, and sheer fabric has a lot to do with it
- a variety of items now highly sought after at thrift stores and vintage boutiques around the country, from feathered earrings to wide belts
The video, like the song, is catchy and attention-grabbing. Enjoy this jungle-rific selection on what I hope is the happiest of Fridays!
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