1980s Egyptian Revival Style

A still from the 1986 video for ZZ Top's "Velcro Fly"

When King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922, Egyptian motifs were all the rage. Pyramids, hieroglyphics, and sun rays appeared in the realms of fashion and interior design. Though not the first time Egyptian-inspired design had emerged, the timing of this resurgence perfectly melded with the Art Deco movement, and geometric depictions of Egyptian flair were abundant!

Egyptian Influences in ’80s Music Video

It makes sense that with the Art Deco revival of the 1980s would come a rediscovery of Egyptology. Musical acts such as ZZ Top, The Bangles, and The Egyptian Lover used Egyptian imagery in their music videos and on album covers:

Left: A still from the music video for the Bangles' 1986 single "Walk Like an Egyptian." Right: A still from the music video for The Egyptian Lover's 1987 single "Freak-A-Holic."

Left: A still from the music video for the Bangles’ 1986 single “Walk Like an Egyptian.” Right: A still from the music video for The Egyptian Lover’s 1987 single “Freak-A-Holic.”

Egyptian Influences in ’80s Fashion

Now let’s take a look at some fashion items from the 1980s Egyptian Revival. A special thanks to my Etsy friends, whose fabulous finds grace this blog post:

Top Left: Vintage 80s Egyptian Romper from Tigerlily Vintage Clothing
Top Right: Vintage 80s Egyptian Choker Necklace from Vintage Overhaul Boutique
Bottom Left: 80’s Vintage Gold Egyptian Necklace by Red Dolly Vintage
Bottom Right: 1980s Leather Glass and Brass Egyptian-Style Earrings from Chez Vous

Left: Walk Like An Egyptian Vintage White Enamel Snake Belt from Decades of Baltimore
Right: Egyptian Isis Necklace from Dusk Till Dawn Vintage (check out the Dusk Till Dawn blog at http://dusktilldawnvintage.tumblr.com/)

Left: Monet Fanned Pearl Cabochon Earrings from Catibug
Right: King Tut 1980s gold brooch from Somewhere In Time

It’s clear that the ’80s take on Egyptian style involved a lot of flash and glitz. Designers did not shy away from creating large, bold items. We like the statement these pieces made (and continue to make through their resale). Thanks again to my Etsy friends–this is some amazing ’80s Egyptian merchandise, and I couldn’t have written this blog post without your help!  Clearly ’80s Egyptian Revival style is alive and well!

Obviously Egypt has been in the news a lot lately due to the ousting of long-time ruler Mubarak. This post is not intended to make light of world events, but rather to celebrate our repeated interest in Egyptian design.

Mirror80 wishes you a fabulous week!

Source: Binney, Marcus. “Vibrant Motifs From the Old World Found New Life in Art Deco: Tomb Art Led to a Craze for All Things Egyptian in 1920s Europe.” The Times. 15 Nov. 2007. Times Newspapers Ltd. 2010. 21 Mar. 2011.