The year 1985 offered a diverse range of fashion trends. While big shoulders and bold colors dominated mainstream fashion, quieter yet influential styles emerged in both America and Japan. This article explores the key 1985 Fashion trends, focusing on the rise of “preppy” style in the US and the avant-garde designs coming out of Japan.
American “Preppy” Style in 1985
American designers like Perry Ellis and Ralph Lauren offered a counterpoint to the decade’s extravagance. They championed classic menswear-inspired pieces for women, including blazers, button-down shirts, and hand-knit sweaters. This aesthetic, dubbed “preppy,” evoked a sense of casual elegance and became synonymous with upper-class American youth.
Fig 14. Perry Ellis Spring 1985 Ready-to-Wear Collection in Vogue.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Ivy League and Seven Sisters clothing, as well as early 20th-century British aristocratic fashion, preppy style emphasized timeless pieces. Ralph Lauren, in particular, became known for his sophisticated interpretation of this classic look. Plaid suits, reminiscent of 1940s and 1950s collegiate wear, further solidified the preppy trend. However, the preppy aesthetic wasn’t monolithic. It ranged from understated and traditional to more flamboyant and ironic interpretations.
Japanese Fashion Revolution in 1985
Across the globe, Japanese designers were revolutionizing the fashion landscape. Figures like Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto presented a stark contrast to Western trends. They embraced deconstruction, manipulating proportions and challenging traditional garment construction.
A model showcases a design by Yohji Yamamoto.
Their designs were often characterized by exaggerated silhouettes and the innovative use of black. This dramatic departure from the norm established a new wave of avant-garde fashion. The prevalence of black in their collections foreshadowed the shift towards minimalism that would define the early 1990s. These designers redefined the relationship between clothing and the body, creating groundbreaking looks that continue to influence fashion today. Their use of asymmetry, oversized shapes, and layering techniques challenged conventional notions of beauty and style.
1985: A Year of Fashion Contrasts
1985 proved to be a pivotal year in fashion history. The juxtaposition of American preppy style and the radical Japanese aesthetic showcased the breadth of creativity and cultural influences shaping the industry. While mainstream fashion embraced excess, these alternative movements offered a glimpse into the future of design. The emphasis on classic tailoring in American preppy styles and the avant-garde experimentation of Japanese designers laid the groundwork for significant fashion evolutions in the years to come.
