I’ve recently had the pleasure of striking up a correspondence with Sammy Davis of Sammy Davis Vintage, a site dedicated to sharing the vintage love by highlighting quality fashion that stands the test of time. Not to mention, Sammy features a variety of vintage sellers, as well as specific fashion trends from an array of decades. Today we spotlight her article ’80s Clothing Trends You Love to Remember (or Wear!), as well as some amazing pics of 1980s dresses courtesy of Olive’s Very Vintage and modeled by none other than Sammy Davis herself!
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…
’80s Details in Glass
Sometimes the power is in the details… That’s certainly the case with the glass accents featured in today’s post. For example, nothing says ’80s like etched glass, especially when floral motifs are involved. Believe it or not, the picture above is not from the 1980s! In fact, this carved glass/divider screen is a custom project from La Mancha Glass Gardens, available through Custom Made. Separating the kitchen from the great room in this featured space, the 4-panel piece is even more awesome when you add a curved glass table and circular bowl to the mix, don’t you think?!
A Very ’80s Lobby
It’s Friday, and boy, has this been a long week! The kind where you feel like you’re just going through the motions, from appointment to appointment. Until you walk into your newly remodeled doctor’s office and see that they’ve inadvertently gone retro. ’70s/’80s to be exact! Yes, this really happened, and I immediately took out my cell phone and started snapping pictures of the metallic cylinder planter filled with a tropical Dracaena. And the modular seating! When I explained to the receptionist that I write about 1980s interior design, she smiled, then looked confused. Then she looked at me again, and she looked even more confused. Did I mention that she looked confused?
The Return of Tassels and Chains
In her book 1980s Fashion Print, Marnie Fogg writes of ‘80s “Glamazon” fashion, which among other things included print designs featuring ribbons, bows, ropes, flags, swags, animal prints, and yes—tassels and chains! Guess what, folks? Glamazon fashion is back!
That’s right—the luxury and excess of ‘80s print design can be found on clothing from the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Forever 21. Get ready for some swanky trompe l’oeil greatness!
5 Cylinder Tables That Celebrate ’80s Style
Today it’s all about the cylinder! Nothing says ’80s like a cylinder coffee table! We’ve seen these round furnishings make a comeback in recent years, and today we take a look some modern-day offerings that remind us of our favorite decade. Above we spotlight a cylinder coffee table with a pivoting top by Ken’s TCB Mica Works. Ken’s specializes in custom furniture for both commercial and residential spaces. It’s hard not to love the mint, purple and hot pink detailing on today’s featured piece!
Friday Video Pick: “State of the Heart” by Rick Springfield
Rick Springfield has made some amazing contributions to ’80s music video history. Elaborate, dynamic and drama-filled, his videos are as catchy as his pop songs. But today we focus on a more contemplative piece, the 1985 hit “State of the Heart.” In fact, the song was originally recorded in 1980 by Australian group Mondo Rock. But Rick puts his own spin on it, complete with a video featuring flowing water, rose petals and a very Zen set. With a touch of marble for an ’80s effect, of course!
An ’80s-Style Bathroom
Are you ready for a little glitz? How about an animal print tub and glossy black tile? While perusing design mega-site Houzz, I stumbled upon a picture of this ’80s-style bathroom decked out in zebra stripes and lots of shine. No, this isn’t a Vegas hotel powder room from our favorite decade. It’s a modern Miami interior created by Nieto Design! Also of note: white calla lilies and square-frame lighting that may as well be neon.
A Very ’80s Apartment
This past weekend, I came across an article on ’80s design from none other than Apartment Therapy. The piece covered an assortment of items that were sold via modern auction house Wright. For sale: individual commissioned furnishings from the 1980s! Originally showcased in a 1983 Chicago dwelling called the Painted Apartment, these designer finds are a window into the exciting world of innovative yet restrained ’80s design. Completely cutting edge, yet somehow timeless. We think you’ll agree…
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!
