Today we celebrate the stylish world of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Paul Reubens produced, directed and starred in this popular CBS children’s television show, which combined live action, puppetry and video animation. The program was based on Reuben’s popular stage show that featured his beloved character Pee-Wee Herman. The set of Pee-wee’s Playhouse channeled Mid-Century Modern design, particularly the geometric, Space Age style known as Googie.
Beauty Is Embarrassing
This weekend at the South by Southwest Film Festival I was lucky to see Neil Berkeley’s documentary Beauty Is Embarrassing. This film tells the engaging story of artist Wayne White, who designed sets and puppets for the hit ’80s children’s show Pee Wee’s Playhouse. But White’s work on this beloved series is just the beginning of his amazing career…
Friday Video Pick: “Don’t Change” by INXS
Today’s Friday Video Picks come from Australian rock band INXS. Plucked from the album Shabooh Shoobah, “Don’t Change” features a raw, guitar-driven sound, less sleek and processed than the band’s later hits. Which is why we love it. There’s an irresistible energy here, and the two videos featured today do not disappoint.
’80s-Style Geometric Fashion From Forever 21
Spring is in the air, and geometric clothing reminiscent of the ’80s is in stores, most notably at Forever 21! Some of this geometry channels a tribal vibe, such as the ’80s Southwestern look. Other shape-filled tops remind us of childhood and its playfully bright forms. And we can’t forget the way geometry can channel the future, or at the very least, a modern feel that manages to be retro at the same time.
Lacquer and Mirrors: Three New Furnishings That Bring the ’80s Home
It’s a wonderful sign when you can purchase furniture reminiscent of the 1980s at your favorite modern stores. In fact, ’80s-style furniture is creeping its way back into the mainstream. Which styles and materials seem to be capturing the attention of shoppers? Geometric pieces featuring lacquer and mirrors.
Friday Video Pick: A Swatch Watch Commercial From 1989
Today we delve into the magic of the Swatch. Did you wear them in stacks on your arms? Did you cover them with neon guards? I still remember occasionally having to move my rubber Swatch guard to the side so I could read the time. But I didn’t care–the guard was cool! To some, these Swiss-made gems may as well have been bangles–collectible fashion statements rather than functional watches. To others, they were the ultimate time-keeping device.
Popular ’80s Furniture Pieces Designed in the 1920s
Today we highlight three pieces of 1980s furniture with design origins in the 1920s. It’s not at all surprising that the ’80s embraced modern pieces from the ’20s. After all, an Art Deco revival occurred during the 1980s and poured over into many realms, including interior design and graphic design. While Mirror80 often celebrates signature ’80s design elements, today we enjoy three furnishings with timeless appeal. In fact, these pieces are still selling strong…
Follow Mirror80 on Pinterest!
We’re excited to be on Pinterest–we invite you to follow us! Through this new format, Mirror80 has enjoyed highlighting 1980s motifs, genres and design trends. From Neon Noir decor to the decade’s obsession with grids, we’ve got snippets of style that inspire us and are sure to catch your eye as well.
Friday Video Pick: “Two Doors Down” by Mystery Jets
Today’s Friday Video Pick is not from the ’80s, but it might as well be. What do you get when you mix a lead singer whose style evokes Thompson Twins’ vocalist Tom Bailey, verses that recall the guitar magic of Aztec Camera, a chorus with the power of Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ “Come on Eileen,” and the wardrobe of James Spader’s ’80s preppy villains? The video for “Two Doors Down” by Mystery Jets!
The Art of Dominic Joyce
Today Mirror80 spotlights the work of artist Dominic Joyce. His original paintings and fashion prints conjure the sleek magic of music videos, polished ads and fashion magazines. 1980s pop culture references appear in many of his creations, along with evidence of graffiti and pop art influences. Some of our favorite pieces reflect the vibrant, sultry world of Neon Noir, the genre that produced 1980s films like Thief and Body Double, as well as the television series Miami Vice.
