The 1980s were a decade of bold fashion choices, ranging from “bigger is better” to understated elegance. While taffeta and vibrant colors dominated mainstream trends, diverse styles emerged, reflecting a complex and multifaceted fashion landscape. American designers like Perry Ellis and Ralph Lauren embraced classic menswear elements for women’s daywear, incorporating blazers, button-down shirts, and hand-knit sweaters. This resulted in a casually elegant aesthetic that became synonymous with American style, often labeled as “preppy,” referencing the attire associated with elite preparatory schools.
This preppy style drew inspiration from traditional Ivy League and Seven Sisters fashion, along with the clothing worn by early 20th-century British aristocrats. Ralph Lauren’s interpretation of this collegiate look emphasized classic, understated style, focusing on quality garments rather than costumes. Perry Ellis’ plaid suits, for instance, paid homage to the collegiate styles of the late 1940s and early 1950s. The preppy trend itself was interpreted in various ways, ranging from classic and understated to bold and ironic expressions.
Meanwhile, a revolutionary fashion movement emerged from Japan, challenging Western norms. Japanese designers like Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto showcased innovative designs in Paris, offering a stark contrast to prevailing Western styles. They utilized deconstruction techniques, exaggerated proportions, and unconventional silhouettes to transform the relationship between clothing and the body.
These avant-garde designs often incorporated black, a color that would continue to be prominent in fashion throughout the early 1990s as the power dressing of the 80s evolved into the minimalist aesthetic of the following decade. The Japanese designers’ emphasis on deconstruction and unconventional forms resulted in striking and influential styles that defied the typical 80s fashion trends.
