Material Girl

Big hair, leggings, sky high shoulder pads…it was the decade of decadence. Wall Street was flying high and so was everyone’s taste for the good life. Consumer culture reached a peak to the tune of Madonna’s “Material Girl.”
Though over 20 years have passed since we said goodbye to the 80s, the style influences continue to infiltrate modern fashion. The spring runway, like that of Ronald van Der Kemp's couture collection, was full of padded shoulders reminiscent of Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl”…the only thing missing were her white sneakers.

Dressing for success in the 80s often meant classic black and white, which continues to be on trend for ladies ready to conquer the boardroom. When creating his iconic “Men in the Cities” series in the 70s and 80s, artist Robert Longo dressed his contorting figures in the classic workwear. 

 Classic lines and colors help make the images timeless--and the look continues to bring a powerful punch as seen in the Ronald van Der Kemp look on the right.


Did someone say party dress? After a hard work day, what girl doesn’t need to enjoy a night on the town in a pretty outfit? The glitz and glamour of the Texas darlings from “Dynasty” hit the Alexandre Vauthier couture runway in full force with an array of one-shouldered frocks, puffy sleeves and pantyhose.




From flowing trains, to ruffles, sequins and sashes…the 80s glam options were endless this season. Some options even shimmered, like the design that mirrored the shining Rabbit sculpture by Jeff Koons.

Always a go-to for glamour, little black dresses go vintage with textured volume. Dressed up in a LBD from Ronald van Der Kemp, what girl wouldn’t feel like a celebrity?

"Celebrity" by Christopher Wool, 1989


Not in a black dress kind of mood? Keep it sleek with color blocking and an elegant coiffure inspired by Richard Prince’s photography.
"Untitled 1" by Richard Prince



As each day brings us closer to the future, fashion proves that we never leave history behind. There are styles we think will never return, and yet they always find ways of coming back for the next generation.

Runway Photos: Vogue.com