Aja performs "Beat This" in this still from the hit cartoon series Jem
I remember the childhood Halloween I dressed up as a punk rocker. I had colorful plastic bracelets, black netted accents, and of course, purple hairspray from an aerosol can. It’s in this very spirit that Mirror80 takes a week to reflect on ’80s glam-punk. No, we’re not referring to the genre of music also known as glitter punk. We’re talking about the ’80s visual/fashion-forward style that combines elements of punk with ’80s glitz. It’s the reason characters from the hit cartoon series Jem can wear ripped clothing and Kiss-reminiscent face paint while lounging in interior spaces that channel the set of Dynasty.
After all, everything was bigger in the ’80s, especially the fashion and interior design statements! We kick off Glam-Punk Week with a few of our favorite pics from the hit series Jem, which followed the adventures of Starlight Music owner/manager Jerrica Benton, her musical alter-ego Jem, and her energy-fueled band The Holograms. Enjoy the cutting edge fashion, which is pretty shocking in its hipness. Remember, this was a show for kids! Of course, viewers of all ages have embraced it…
At the top of the post is Jem and the Holograms guitarist Aja Leith. How can you not love a musician who matches her beads with the gold circles on her blouse? Below we have lead singer Jem, whose lattice-patterned dress and gloves mimic the laser lights behind her!
Jem performs "Beat This" in this still from Jem
Next we have drummer Shana Elmsford, whose stylish gold-toned dress fringe far outshines the bandana-inspired fringe of many an unfortunate ’80s sweatshirt:
Shana performs "Jealousy" in this still from Jem
We can’t forget about Jem’s younger sister, keyboardist Kimber Benton. Even the animators knew that a redhead with her coloring would benefit from earth tones!
Kimber performs "I'm Okay" in this still from Jem
Join us all week for plenty of ’80s glam-punk fun!
Yay! Great week! I don't remember seeing jem when I was growing up. I discovered the dolls some years after I started to collect my little ponies. I really like style of the characters, the clothes and hairstyles. What my little ponies would look like if they were humans!
I remember Jem and the Holograms very well. Even though I was an adult in the 80s (I was 30 in 1985), this was one of my favorite shows. I even have a Jem Trapper Keeper from back in the day; with folders even.
So glad you kept that Trapper Keeper! It’s a keeper (no pun intended)! There are so many items I wish I’d held onto…
^^Yep, and I use it for all of my accounts for my painting business.
So glad to hear that, Jan! I hope the business is going well. How could it not if the accounts are surrounded by a Trapper Keeper?! I need to get one for my Mirror80 paperwork…