In 1983, British band Tears for Fears released the single The Way You Are to bridge the gap between their first and second albums. More experimental than their other hits, the song has been mentioned by Tears for Fears members Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal as far from their favorite and a marker of their need to change direction.
’80s Southwestern Style
Stair-step and diamond motifs. Teal, mauve, peach, purple and turquoise. When it comes to interior design, many of us may have assumed these ’80s living room patterns and hues were a trend of the past. But on a weekend shopping trip to Urban Outfitters, I learned that the colors and patterns of ’80s Southwestern style may be finding their way back into the mainstream via the fashion realm. Check out the hand tattoos above…
Friday Video Pick: “The One Thing” by INXS
As we enter the month of feasting and Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, I thought I’d share an ’80s music video feast with you–“The One Thing” by INXS! In this piece, band members, friends and a couple of cats enjoy a table full of food. Yes, folks–it’s ’80s decadence at its finest.
Have a Totally Awesome Halloween
Mirror80 wishes you a spook-tacular weekend! ’80s relics: Christopher Stuart ’80s Deco vase, 1980s black swan towel-holder
“Jeopardy” by the Greg Kihn Band: Friday Video Pick–Halloween Edition
For this week’s Friday Video Pick, I wanted to go with something spooky…Luckily I remembered being pretty mesmerized by this video for the Greg Kihn Band’s “Jeopardy” as a kid.
In the video, a groom’s case of cold feet turns into a horror show. Literally. It’s a good thing he has a wooden stake to defend himself against what appears to be a papier-mache tentacled monster.
’80s Textiles in Halloween Hues
With Halloween just three days away, I thought it would be fun to spotlight festive textile patterns from one of my favorite books, 1980s Fashion Print by Marnie Fogg (available at Amazon.com). Wonderfully curated, it features some of fashion’s best, from the neon to the glamazon. Here are some designer prints in the colors of Halloween:
“Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” by A Flock of Seagulls: Friday Video Pick
Known for their space-age videos and electronic melodies, British synthpop band A Flock of Seagulls were equally notorious for their hair and fashion choices. Which makes sense given lead singer Mike Score’s previous career as a hairdresser. In this video for 1982’s “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You),” he sports his most notable do, as well as some awesome spacewear.
Iris and Lily Motifs
The phrase “’80s floral” may conjure visions of pastel-hued Laura Ashley bedding, or drapes and wallpaper you hope you never see again. But what if some ’80s floral had a modern, Asian flair? Believe it or not, a contemporary floral motif of iris and lilies appeared on a variety of home decor accessories in the ’80s, from china patterns to wall art.
“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush: Friday Video Pick
If you’ve ever wanted to perform a five-minute interpretive dance recital, tackle someone you care about to the ground, or get lost in a crowd of aimless walkers all wearing your outfit and a mask of your dance partner’s face, this music video is for you…
Liz Claiborne Purses
About four years ago, I was looking through my closet for a beige purse and coming up empty-handed. Then in a flash of triangle-covered glory, I saw it in the back of my closet…my Liz Claiborne from the ’80s (pictured above, right). “Has enough time passed for the purse to be hip again?” I wondered, remembering how these designer bags had once fulfilled every grade-school accessory-based whim. I grabbed the purse, filled it and was off for the night…
