Beauty chronicle: the eccentric 80s
Our new weekly feature takes a look back at sixty years of beauty, starting in the 50s and bringing us to the present day. After the 50s, 60s and 70s, today it's the turn of the 80s.
Ready? Let's go!
The eccentric 80s
We've noted there were sharp differences in terms of fashion and beauty from one decade to the next. Such was the case when the 70s gave way to the 80s and eccentricity ruled supreme.
Women now had much more freedom, and were beginning to get jobs that only men had had before. The real working girl was born.
The 80s were no less fun, though, as this was a decade which would become known for its dazzling disco and punchy pop music. Studio 54 in New York was the place to be and be seen... especially under the glitter of the disco ball.
Many different trends were running in parallel during this decade.
Bright colours, big hair and aerobicsThe 80s: it was now the time of shoulder pads, high heels, grey suits and heavy make-up. Like we said, women were in the driving seat and were making sure that everyone knew it. They worked hard, but didn't lose sight of their femininity.
Whether bright red nails or big hair, the look needed to be bright and ostentatious. Make-up and fashion were all about colour, and women didn't shy away from it.
At the same time, aerobics started the cult of the perfect body (the end of the 80s marked the arrival of the supermodel, a topic which we'll cover next week in our 90s beauty chronicle.)
Hair was the next thing to be taken up a notch. Big hair was all the rage, perms were the in things and hairspray was a girl's best friend. On the flip side of the coin were the working girls' short styles. The 80s marked the beginning of hairdressing as we know it now, taking on the mantle of high fashion.Make-up was all about glossy red lips, electric eyeshadows, brick-red blush and iridescent and metallic colours. The introduction of waterproof mascara meant that women could now keep their lashes looking great all day long.
Another hot trend was punk, as shown by Madonna in the film "Desperately Seeking Susan".
The stars loved it
Some of our 80s icons were the style queens of the decade: Bianca Jagger, Diane de Furstenberg, Jerry Hall, Melanie Griffith, Madonna , Brooke Shields and Kim Wilde...Take a look and see you next week for more beauty fun!
