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…
Friday Video Pick: “Games Without Frontiers” by Peter Gabriel
There’s just something refreshing about Peter Gabriel videos. They have a way of bridging the gap between pop and performance art. Take this 1983 video for “Games Without Frontiers.”
Movie Moment: The Secret of My Success
Feathered hair, a water fountain, a drapey pink dress, a really big piece of modern wall art and a revolving door that just won’t stop all highlight this clip set to David Foster’s emotionally-charged soundtrack. Cue saxophone, then read below for more yuppie news…
Friday Video Pick: “Save It for Later” by The English Beat
Known as simply The Beat outside of North America, The English Beat rose to popularity amidst Britain’s ska revival (alongside the mod revival)…So the ’60s-influenced fashions in the video for 1982’s “Save It for Later” shouldn’t be a surprise.
DIY Project: The ’80s Vanity
A little vanity never hurts… Watch a teen flick from the 1980s, and you just might catch a glimpse of a dressing table–or vanity–in the background, packed with knickknacks and collectibles. Mirror80 made a go of it using finds from Goodwill, Savers and a local antique mall. Total cost: roughly $25.
“No No No” by Nancy Nova: Friday Video Pick
I have my brother Andy to thank for this one! The video for British singer-songwriter Nancy Nova’s “No No No” features ’80s Deco accessories, a plethora of shadows created by mini-blinds, asymmetrical hair, and some of the most intense close-ups you may ever experience. A little ’80s glam for your Happy Friday…
The Ultimate ’80s Interior Design Guide
This ’80s-fabulous interior decorating book by Mary Gilliatt is the real thing–published in the ’80s, it authentically recommends ’80s decorating techniques! The result: an honest, edgy look at design conventions from this incomparable decade. Here are some of the bolder highlights:
“Wouldn’t It Be Good” by Nik Kershaw: Friday Video Pick
Nik Kershaw’s surprisingly sci-fi video from 1984 combines a 40s/50s retro feel with a glowing chroma key space suit. Add a humanoid alien with a hairdo that rivals Val Kilmer’s in Real Genius, plus visual and narrative elements that conjure memories of spacemen-themed flicks like 1976’s The Man Who Fell to Earth and 1984’s Starman, and you have this five- minute celebration of science and music.
