The decade of excess is having a fashion moment, and it’s obvious why when you look at these original, vintage pieces...
WORDS BY ALEXANDRA RHODES
They say that what goes around comes around, and it’s never rung truer than for eighties fashion. Big knits, bigger shoulders and cinched-in waists are perennial catwalk favourites, but this season they’re really back with a vengeance. But how to embrace the era in a new and authentic way? By wearing the pieces that were there the first time around…
Off the shoulder
Exposed or enlarged, shoulders were the thing of the eighties and they’re still proving impossible to shrug off in 2017. We like to think this vintage Saint Laurent bustier dress spent its first life on the dancefloor at Studio 54…
Get the look: Saint Laurent Dress
Eighties knits
Bold and brash knits are impossible to ignore this season. With its bright colours, naïve graphics and oversized cut, this vintage Kansai Yamamoto intarsia is equal parts throwback and fashion forward.
Get the look: Kansai Yamamoto Vintage Jumper
Waist belts
Eighties style may be synonymous with bigger is better, but when it comes to the waist, quite the opposite applies. Wear this quilted Chanel belt from 1985 over an oversized coat for a modern take. It’s a cinch!
Get the look: Chanel Vintage Belt
Power suits
The power suit is enjoying a moment back in the spotlight. No longer confined to the set of Working Girl, it’s now a cult fashion item. Suits us fine when it looks as good as this Versace two-piece…
Get the look: Versace Vintage Suit
Primary colour clash
Designer-turned-artist Charles de Castelbajac knows how to colour clash with conviction. Follow his lead and mix primary colours (that’s red, yellow and blue for those of you who didn’t listen at school) with unexpected jolts of contrasting magenta. Rad!
Get the look: Charles de Castelbajac Vintage Coat
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