This week Mirror80 reflects on the captivating power of 1980s toys. They inspired piggy banks full of change (a.k.a. purchasing power) when we were young. Now that we’re older, they’re inspiring many a visit to Etsy and eBay, where we’re buying them back, in some cases for more money! Today we begin by taking a look at just how these relics of the past were so, well… rad. And I’m not just talking about the nostalgia factor–people who weren’t kids in the ’80s seek out these unforgettable items. We ask why!
Pic Fix: 1980s Toys
This week at Mirror80 we celebrate the plastic glory of 1980s toys. An overabundance of pastels and metallics populated this kiddie wonderland, as did a certain punk edge at times, no doubt overflowing from the world of MTV. From crucial pop culture staples to flash-in-the-pan products that were little more than copycats of established favorites, the offerings of ’80s toy aisles put their stamp on young minds and influenced child-friendly merchandise for years to come…
Friday Video Pick: Blade Runner Original Theatrical Trailer
How long has it been since you’ve seen the original Blade Runner theatrical trailer? I mean really watched it, observing how it manages to take a beautifully-shot film and fit it into the standard preview formula. I am a true child of the ’80s, but I must admit I was a bit too young in 1982 to take note of this trailer. In fact, I didn’t see the film until high school, and when I finally did, it was the Director’s Cut. You can imagine my shock when I eventually saw the original version of the movie, complete with Harrison Ford’s gumshoe narrative voice-over, which (surprise!) both he and Ridley Scott opposed. Get ready for the narrative voice-over in this trailer…
Blade Runner Fashion
This week Mirror80 celebrates the cinematic wonder that is Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Today we explore the film’s amazing costume design by Michael Kaplan and Charles Knode, as well as its fashion-forward possibilities! With at least part of Blade Runner’s inspiration rooted in 1940s film noir, it makes sense that the film’s leads would be decked out in detective- and ’40s-inspired fashion. With a modern twist, of course.
Mid-Week Match-Up: A Blade Runner-Inspired Room
For today’s interior design-themed post, we immerse ourselves in the world of Blade Runner, Ridley Scott’s 1982 science fiction masterpiece. In preparation, I went over scene after scene with a fine-toothed comb, watching for decor details in a way I’d never before attempted. In fact, I felt a bit like Harrison Ford’s Deckard, using his photo-enhancing ESPER machine to search for clues!
Pic Fix: Blade Runner
This week has been a long time coming… Those who’ve known me for awhile are well aware of my obsession with the 1982 film Blade Runner. Ridley Scott’s vision of the future was a cinematic breakthrough, and many agree that no film since has matched its layered, detailed depiction of a breathtaking, cluttered dystopia. This week at Mirror80, we’ll delve into the world of this sci-fi masterpiece, exploring its look, including the costume and set design (and ways to incorporate its style into fashion and interior design). Get ready to revel in the cyberpunk, tech noir wonder that is Blade Runner!
Friday Video Picks: ’80s Christmas Commercials
Today we bring you two ’80s Christmas commercials with the best of intentions. Remember, these were the days of innocence, when a grown man in a clown suit interrupting a children’s ice skating party in the middle of a deserted forest was more delightful than creepy, and when a stuttering doll operating a camera was more charming than terrifying.
’80s Southwestern Winter Fashion Finds
Hey there all you ski bunnies! On a recent trip to Urban Outfitters I was stunned to see that this year’s hipster winter fashion is all about ’80s Southwestern-style motifs! While certain colors (hello mauve and teal) have been intentionally eliminated, the trend seems to revel in an outdoorsy, rugged vibe, complemented by earthy colors with a hint of turquoise.
Mid-Week Match-Up: An ’80s Modern Living Room at Christmas
Today we recreate the look of Andrew McCarthy’s family living room from the 1987 film Less Than Zero. In this movie loosely based on the novel by Brett Easton Ellis (written when Ellis was only 21!), McCarthy plays Clay, a college student who returns home for Christmas break to discover that his close friends have been deeply affected by drug abuse and despair. OK, so you’re not going to see this one on the Hallmark Channel this season, but the decor is out of this world. Today we focus on the ’80s interior that served as the centerpiece of the film’s Christmas scenes. Here is the result….
A Lisa Frank-Inspired ’80s Christmas Tree!
Yesterday we focused on the sleek white and metallic Christmas decorations of the modern homeowner in the 1980s. Keeping the palette monochromatic provided a stark yet sparkly take on Holiday decor that was perfect for clean-lined dwelling spaces. Today we throw subtlety out the window with a child-friendly Christmas tree inspired by designer Lisa Frank, whose creations decorated many a school supply and sticker in the 1980s.
