So it’s a few days past Friday, but a bad case of vertigo prevented me from blogging on the day this post was supposed to go live! And this song is just too good to pass up… Today we spotlight The Style Council, consisting of vocalist and guitarist Paul Weller (formerly of The Jam) and keyboardist Mick Talbot.
Acrylic Dining Sets
One look at the furniture featured in today’s post, and you may assume these pieces are straight out of the ’80s. Strangely, even the pictures have a retro quality. To everyone’s surprise, these acrylic dining sets from Muniz Plastics are brand spanking new…honestly, we’re a bit confused, but it’s a blissful fog! ’80s-style Deco furniture is being manufactured once again?! We should throw a party and bring our crystal swans to decorate the tabletops!
The Work of Architecture at Large
Today we’re thrilled to spotlight the work of Rafael de Cárdenas, founder of Architecture at Large, a resource for design vision and execution focused on residential and commercial interiors, architecture, furniture and integrated objects. Stunning color and bold geometry are key qualities of Architecture at Large pieces and interiors. We can’t help but see undertones of 1980s Memphis-Milano motifs!
Friday Video Pick: A Swatch Watch Commercial From 1988!
Today’s Friday Video Pick comes from the vibrant world of Swatch. This Australian ad features the best of ’80s design…in-your-face colors, quick bursts of flashy geometry, and…a street carnival setting? The commercial is “set” in Vienna, which clearly inspired an Old Word-meets-modern vibe. Attempts to jazz it up with glass block and neon lighting prove quite interesting
The Art of Francesco Mancin
Today we are delighted to spotlight the art of Italian graphic designer and videomaker Francesco Mancin. Art, music, fashion and film inspire his work, as does the style of the renowned 1980s design collective The Memphis Group. A talented artist, Mancin has created numerous posters that celebrate Memphis design while adding a contemporary touch to ’80s motifs. Modern yet retro, Mancin’s work exemplifies the artful blend of past and present.
’80s-Style Acrylic Furniture from Alexandra Von Furstenberg
If you think the image above is a set piece from the movie Tron, think again. This acrylic desk is one of many stunning pieces offered by designer Alexandra Von Furstenberg. Once married to the son of designer Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexandra has made a name for herself by creating a series of colorful acrylic furnishings. Our favorite part: many of these showpieces have a distinct ’80s vibe!
Friday Video Pick: “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” by the Pet Shop Boys
For today’s Friday Video Pick, we spotlight the Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have a I Done to Deserve This?,” a track featuring the vocals of Dusty Springfield. Filmed in a music hall, this 1987 video makes use of chorus girls and theater curtains to keep the action moving, then culminates in a dramatic stage finale.
’80s Treasures from Lobel Modern
In our last post, we featured the New York City apartment of designer Evan Lobel, which showcases an assortment of luxe ’80s finds. Today we spotlight the treasures offered in his Bond Street store Lobel Modern, which offers furnishings and decor from the 1940s-1980s. With an eye for large-scale items that capture the decadence and elegance of our favorite decade, Evan Lobel is bringing a love of ’80s design to a new generation of enthusiasts.
Are the ’80s the Next Mid-Century?
Today we travel back in time, but not to the ’80s… Our date of choice is May 13, 2007, when the New York Times published an article titled “The Next Mid-Century.” Guess which decade was the focus? You got it–the decade of decadence! In the article, writer David Colman discussed ’80s designers/decorators like Karl Springer, Angelo Donghia, Charles Hollis Jones and Michael Taylor. In fact, these designers often had pieces custom-made for their clients. And yes, it’s still out there, ready to be collected by a new set of design enthusiasts!
Wild About ’80s Tropical Fashion!
Bring on the Jams. Round up your Ocean Pacific surf wear… Summer is on the way, and retailers are celebrating with ’80s-style tropical fashion!
