The Return of the ‘80s: Fall Fashion
by Paige McKirahan

Yes, you read that correctly. As one of the most questionable, yet daring decades’ fashions are coming back in style, it is hard to wonder how to make such wild aesthetics chic again in a time where minimalism seems to reign. Well, wonder not, fashion lovers; our favorite designers have already set the guidelines for this fall ‘80s revival at fashion week this past spring.

Bold and dramatic looks with intense cheek contouring, electric neons, wild animal prints, and shoulder pads are making a bold return to runways, fighting the ‘90s revival that has taken reign in the past few years. Voluminous pieces and sequins ran free in Halpern’s fall 2018 show, while Saint Laurent and Gareth Puch loved the shoulder pad look for their collections. 

From first to last: Halpern, Garath Puch, and Saint Laurent looks from NYFW Fall 2018

If you’re baffled by this trend, you’re not alone; all major news outlets are discussing this fascination with styles of decades’ past. The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and Vogue alike are trying to decipher the reasoning behind the popularization of fashions that seemed like they were in the archives for good. But, here is the secret that is being told as fashion evolves and we see vintage style prevail: generations of consumers that don’t experience decades in person, want to experience the clothing that was previously popular in the now. Embracing the muchness of the decade, millennials and Gen Z’ers wear this aesthetic with feelings of ironic joy while their parents look on with a sort of conflicting amusement. I say that the resurgence of these flamboyant silhouettes is for anyone, so dig in your closet (or in our collection!) for some old school pieces and prepare for fashion time travel to an era where bigger was always better.

NYFW Spotlight: Rodarte’s Meditative Return to New York

By Paige McKirahan

Greetings, style aficionados! For our final spotlight this week, we have decided to take a look at the Rodarte’s triumphant return to NYFW after a two-year hiatus. The romantic collection is quite possibly one of our favorite shows of the week; the bold, ‘80s inspired show was put on display in New York’s Marble Cemetery, moving away from the Spring Studio venue in pursuit of a more dramatic aesthetic. Drama is what they found as the rain paired with their dark set allowed the bright, flamboyant pieces to truly stand out. 

Photo taken during Rodarte show

(photo credit Google images)

The brand, known for its moody and ethereal aesthetics, could not have planned for a more perfect setting to compliment a collection filled with tulle, floral headwear, art deco jewelry, and oversized shoulder pieces. Inspired by Picasso and Kate Bush (diverse, we know), The Mulleavy sisters said that the set was meant to be a meditation on creativity. This rumination resulted in a dazzling display, incorporating pieces that garnered influence from a multitude of eras. The collection of gowns is cohesive, but also catering to a variety of styles ranging from ‘80s opulence to bohemian chic. Picking favorites proved to be especially difficult as there was not one piece that we did not like, but we managed to chose the following pieces as we felt they captured the essence of the collection perfectly. What do you think- graveyard smash or belongs in the trash?

(photo credit to elle.com)