So I was doing some Christmas shopping at a store which I won’t name. One of those stores that has really great deals, but questionable taste on about half of its merchandise. Things are either “right on” or “way, way off.” And then I stumbled upon a series of crystal figurines. Don’t get me wrong–most of them were in the “way, way off” category, but one or two of them were inadvertently “right on.” Which got me thinking… I went home and googled “crystal swans.” And the rest is history!
Neon Holiday Gift Wrap Ideas
This weekend I began wrapping my Christmas presents! Last year I used paper in muted colors, ribbon in rich hues, and bits of jewelry as decorative accents. This year I decided to go all out with a full-on color explosion. And it’s funny how just a few bright touches do the trick. Since we’re in the middle of a neon revival and neon was a true ’80s trend, why not make it a fluorescent holiday? Read on for more details…
Friday Video Pick: “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode
Today the beauty of Anton Corbijn’s imagery reigns in his 1987 video for “Never Let Me Down Again” by Depeche Mode. In fact, this renowned Dutch photographer, film director and music video director has crafted many a stunning visual for Depeche Mode over the years, and “Never Let Me Down Again” showcases his striking use of dark and light. Which works well for a song on the darker side…
’80s Style in the Waiting Room
There are some amazing things happening in the world of waiting room design! In fact, some waiting rooms are leaping into the future with innovative furnishings, diverse materials and edgy motifs. Others are a bit stuck in the past. And we’re totally OK with that! You know that wonderful feeling you get when you visit your dentist’s office, and you realize his ’80s Southwestern art and furniture are now back in style? Yeah, we love that feeling too! Today’s post celebrates the beauty of slightly out-of-date waiting areas.
An ’80s Christmas Luncheon
You know those crazy ’80s parties steeped in nostalgia? Where everybody dresses up, drinks sunset-colored martinis and goes home with a Rubik’s cube or an arm full of plastic jewelry? We’ve hosted one of those! Today’s featured ’80s-themed gathering is a little different… I recently threw an ’80s Christmas luncheon for family to ring in the holidays. The focus: ’80s glamour and decadent food! In fact, in the 1980s, food was displayed in a “big” way! At the finest restaurants, each plate was a canvas that used tools such as ground pepper, chives, nuts and other “garnishes” to make a culinary statement. Read on for more ’80s foodie fun…
Friday Video Pick: “Burning Up” by Madonna
Today’s video pick comes from Madonna–a track that isn’t the first to come to mind when you think of this style icon. Why not? Perhaps because “Burning Up” was only her second single, or maybe because it received mixed reviews at the time of its release. But let’s face it: this stripped-down song with the pounding sounds of a drum machine, guitar and bass has got something. And even though the video is from early in Madonna’s career, she is true to form, using it as a vehicle to stand her ground and make a bold statement.
The ’80s Connection: An Interview with Jason Cawood
There’s no denying that a recent influx of ’80s-themed Tumblrs has showcased the decade’s fashion, interiors, pop culture and art in vivid detail. And no Tumblr offers a more comprehensive and well-sourced collection of 1980s artwork than “80s art,” created by Jason Cawood. Vibrant geometry, abstract forms and bold designs reign on Cawood’s Tumblr, which is a clear fan favorite. This past week, I had the honor of corresponding with Jason Cawood, who shared his thoughts on a range of topics, from ’80s art trends to Tumblr’s role in the decade’s unfolding revival…
5 Glitzy ’80s Christmas Decor Trends
With Thanksgiving officially over, the Christmas season is upon us! If you are a design freak like me, and you were wondering how to bring a little ’80s to your holiday decor, look no further… Today we showcase 5 Christmas decoration ideas that spotlight 1980s design motifs. And you don’t have to go vintage to get the ’80s look!
Mirror80 Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksiving, Everyone!!! As you prepare to feast, take a look at this furnishing fabric pattern inspired by Native American motifs. This 1980s pattern is called Zeebak, and it was designed by Liberty. We love the striped mishmash of ’80s Southwestern designs, and the way it could easily be worn today (or be used to upholster your sofa pillows).
The ’80s Connection: An Interview with Annabel Schofield – Part 2
Last week Mirror80 published Part 1 of our interview with the lovely Annabel Schofield, an author and producer who enjoyed an acting and international modeling career in the 1980s and 1990s. Ms. Schofield shared her thoughts on ’80s fashion, and she reflected on what it was like to act and model in the midst of the decade of decadence! Today, Annabel discusses her ’80s memories, as well as her serialized novel The Cherry Alignment, which semi-autobiographically explores the life of an actress in 1980s-90s Hollywood. Her blog of the same name is a wealth of information on 1980s fashion, film and music. Read on for more fabulous ’80s details…