I’ve recently had the pleasure of corresponding with the lovely Annabel Schofield, an international fashion model of the ’80s who starred in ad campaigns for the likes of Revlon, Gianni Versace, Yves St. Laurent and Levi’s. And yes, you probably remember her from an iconic commercial in which she famously uttered: “Excuse me, are those Bugle Boy jeans you’re wearing?” But there’s much more to Ms. Schofield than meets the eye, including her serial novel The Cherry Alignment, which semi-autobiographically explores the life and times of an actress working in Hollywood in the ’80s and ’90s. In fact, this novel began as a screenplay, and there’s no doubt that it would make the perfect long-overdue HBO series with a focus on the decade of decadence!
Search Results for: still life
Aquarium Plants Make an ’80s Statement
Why is it that I’ve always associated aquariums and sea life with the 1980s? Could it be movies like Jaws 3, with its wonderful ’80s Sea World setting? Or maybe it’s the plethora of dolphin figurines and other sea life-themed decor from that time period. Or the fact that my family had an aquarium as a kid, so I spent many an ’80s weekend picking out fish and accessories for the tank. Whatever it is, I am clearly preoccupied with aquarium plants. Yes, the fake kind. After viewing today’s selections from Petco, perhaps you’ll agree that faux foliage of the undersea nature can truly make an ’80s statement!
’80s Pastel Power
While researching pastel interior design for another article, I came across images of sky-themed wallpaper, flamingos and other ’80s-fabulous motifs. To my surprise, the source of origin for these pics was a 2010 article from The Guardian! And it seems some of the featured products are still available for purchase. Because when you combine a pink bird with a Memphis-Milano color palette, it just doesn’t get any better…
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!
Friday Video Pick: “So Unreal” by LA Vampires Featuring Matrix Metals
Today’s Friday Video Pick is a new piece that’s exploding with ’80s motifs. Grids, LaserDiscs, Trapper Keeper-ish graphic design and references to artist Patrick Nagel are a few of the many 1980s flourishes packed into this six-minute style fest featuring LA Vampires. There’s even a plasma ball that may as well have been plucked from the shelves of The Sharper Image in all of its electrified glory.
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…
Mirror80 Wishes You a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day has arrived, and while this holiday has gotten way out of hand commercially, there are some eternal truths worth acknowledging. Like love and friendship.
Friday Video Pick–DIY Makeover Edition: “Brand New Girl” by Julie Brown
Mirror80 wraps up DIY week with a makeover-themed music video from the movie Earth Girls Are Easy starring Geena Davis and Julie Brown. Stylistically, the film channels that magical blend of Mid-Century style and ’80s Modern flair. In the video for “Brand New Girl,” characters dance around a beauty shop that combines elements of 1950s decor and 1980s motifs a la Memphis-Milano design. Let the film’s sets inspire you and the makeover mood empower you to embrace DIY magic in the realms of interior design and fashion.
Best ’80s Video Hairstyles
In lieu of a Friday Video Pick, today we’re getting follical. Or shall we say follicle? Yes, it’s a celebration of ’80s hair, executed by counting down the top five 1980s music video hairdos of all time. Let’s start with a disclaimer: TODAY’S EXERCISE IS PURELY FOR FUN. We know we’re being totally subjective.
Friday Video Pick: The Secret of My Success Theatrical Trailer
Today we bring you the trailer from the 1987 film The Secret of My Success starring Michael J. Fox and Helen Slater. In this comedy, we see Michael J. Fox’s Brantley Foster go from Kansas farm boy to corporate executive. His methods are a bit unconventional, and that’s where the drama begins. While Michael J. Fox IS this movie, we can’t help but notice the shiny backdrops that gleam behind his center-stage antics. In fact, ’80s corporate life has never looked so luminous.