This spring I began a correspondence with the talented Heather Hermann, also known as The Duchess of Deco. We immediately bonded over our love of 1980s design, thrifting, all things Deco, mineral samples, and quirky decor such as terrariums with neon accents. Yet the more I got to know Heather, aka Calliope, the more fascinated I became with her repertoire, from her days as a Vegas showgirl to her experience in the realm of Hollywood costume design. She’s a fearless performer, a visual artist with a truly unique aesthetic, a walking encyclopedia on Deco design through the ages, and an art dealer specializing in the works of Erte. And that’s just the beginning… Intrigued? Read on:
Search Results for: 80s music video land
The ’80s at SXSW: Ping Pong Summer
It’s my favorite time of the year–South by Southwest is here! I love music, but I’m actually a bit partial to the film portion of this ever-growing festival. There’s something decadent about enjoying quiet moments from a comfy theater seat in the middle of the madness…
’80s DIY Project: A Daily Planner Upgrade
We’re already a few weeks into 2014, so this daily planner makeover is long overdue! The secret ingredient in this easy DIY project: washi tape! Read on for all the details, as well as some of my personal goals for Mirror80 over the next year…
The ’80s Connection: Skylar Strickland
Recently I’ve had the pleasure of striking up a correspondence with Skylar Strickland, an expert on the topic of 1980s design. His vast knowledge on the decade’s best interiors, decor trends and product design quickly became evident, especially when he gave me a glimpse of his extensive collection of design links, images and finds. While growing up in Florida, Skylar lived in a home filled with cutting-edge ’80s treasures. Meanwhile, many of us who were kids during that time grew up in locations where that detailed level of artful 1980s design was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t happening. What was it like being at the center of the decade’s design best? Let’s find out by talking with an expert who isn’t afraid to share his opinion…
The ’80s Connection: Cory You
In March I began corresponding with musician and artist Cory You, and we instantly bonded over our love for ’80s design. As the months went by, I began to see just how much the 1980s influenced Cory’s creative works. In fact, I was blown away by his drive to create on a daily basis. Seriously, this man is always creating new images, sounds and looks! His constant search for unique ’80s visuals and thrift store finds regularly inspired me, and when I realized what an expert he was at mining my favorite decade for its most interesting elements, I knew he would be my next ’80s Connection interview. So without further ado, let’s meet Cory You!…
New Retro Weekender: Vegging Out, ’80s-Style
Hi Everyone! If you’ve read our last few editions of New Retro Weekender, you know that my weekends tend to be packed with DIY projects, blogging and other retro fun. This weekend I’m needing to do nothing but veg out. And I haven’t had a weekend like this in about four months. After a crazy week that consisted of nursing a very ill kitty back to health and continuing to finalize the plans for my move in June (all the while keeping up at work), I’m in need of a little break. Check out my plans below, then leave a comment and tell me how you veg out when life gets a little too full…
The ’80s Connection: Arturo Bozeman Hernandez
About a year ago, I began corresponding with Arturo Bozeman Hernandez, a California entrepreneur who shares my love of 1980s design. One of the many things that impressed me at that time was his knowledge of ’80s graphic design. Then I became aware of the impressive level of detail Art puts into his own creations, particularly when it comes to the graphic design for Rocksteady Fitness, the business he owns with his lovely wife Melissa (he is the Marketing and Operations Manager and she is the Head Trainer). With locations in Ventura and Oxnard, California, Rocksteady offers personal training, group classes and massage therapy.
Why ’80s Music Videos Are So Dreamy…
Music videos from the 1980s sure were all over the place! I was recently watching my old VHS tape of videos I’d recorded as a pre-teen, and it dawned on me that music videos from this time period represented a huge variety of approaches and technological levels. This new medium of entertainment ushered in an exciting era of artistic expression. People were still trying to figure it all out. Some bands simply sang in front of a blank white screen, while others pioneered the latest in special effects. Some rented a smoke machine and hit “record.” Others acted out elaborate stories, treating each piece as a three-minute short film. And that’s why ’80s music videos are so magical…
Friday Video Pick: “Cloudbusting” by Kate Bush
OK, so what are we looking at here? It’s a cloudbuster! Yes, this rain-making machine was the topic of Kate Bush’s 1985 single “Cloudbusting,” based on the close relationship between psychiatrist/psychoanalyst/inventor Wilhelm Reich and his son Peter. But even if you knew this, you may not know that the machine in the video was designed by the folks who brought us the Alien creature. Or that the video was brainstormed by Kate Bush and none other than Terry Gilliam. And that Julian Doyle, the man who created the special effects for Gilliam’s Brazil and Time Bandits, directed the piece, which also starred Donald Sutherland!
Rad Men: If Mad Men Were Set in the 1980s…
Now that Season 5 of the hit series Mad Men has officially premiered, Mirror80 asks a burning question: “What if Mad Men were set in the 1980s?” Welcome to glamorous world of Wall Street yuppies and the complicated lives they lead. Amidst the leather, suede, mini-blinds and limitless cash flow are a group of stockbrokers so powerful, they are known as Rad Men to all they meet. They live a life of excess and follow a questionable moral code. Yet amidst the smoke and mirrors is a story—their story. Because these men just want to have fun. Let’s meet the players…