Fashions Of A Decade: the 1980s

Fashions of a Decade #7

by Vicky Carnegy

Loaded with full-color illustrations, the Fashions of a Decade set provides an exciting new way for students to learn about modern history.The eight-volume set captures the wildly divergent clothing styles and trends that have played such a crucial role in defining our century. From the gaudy to the austere, from the shocking to the sublime, Fashions of a Decade chronicles the modern world's continual desire to express itself -- and to mold itself -- through fashion.

What truly distinguishes this set is its exploration of these trends in the context of Western history. It looks at the dramatic world events, shifting social movements, and fascinating political and cultural movements that influenced the world of twentieth-century fashion.

Genres: Fashion, History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published November 5, 1990

Reviews

[Johana · Rating 5 out of 5]

really interesting read

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much more than just a fashion book. The author ties the influences and evolution of 80’s fashion to the various news and events of the decade. The 1980’s was a time where politicians held great power over trend setting in fashion, shown through the influence of Margaret Thatcher’s effect on fashion and the emerging “power dressing” style of the working 80’s woman. A good portion of the book is dedicated to discussions on “Yuppie style”, which is regarded as ‘not just a whim of fashion but a widespread social trend’. This book provides surprisingly provides a substantial amount of information on historical events such as the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, Gorbachev’s Russia, and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. The also included is a chronology of news and events situated at the end of the book.

[Ivan Retama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always admired the 80s - be it the music, the looks, and even designer names associated with it. Designers like Mugler and Vivienne Westwood are some of my favorite designers there is, and it’s very introspective seeing how their name was built up the revolutions they started. From the 60s and 50s revival, to the shoulder padded “power dressing”, to the very beginning of goth, and even the trending athletic wear; it’s fascinating seeing truly how these trends evolved. The 80s was a turning time for fashion and it marked the demolishing of fashion boundaries.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting information about political and social movements throughout the decade and how they affected fashion trends. Enjoyed the section about music, especially hip-hop and rap. Cool to see older ads and illustrations. Glossary and Timeline in the back are helpful resources. Appreciated international perspectives as well- Russian, Japanese, and English.

Note: The date for Live Aid is wrong--given as July 7, 1985 on page 22. Actually July 13, 1985.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick & fun read with lots of pictures to go along with it! I think fashion through time is so interesting and I loved how this also gave you insight to some of what was actually going on in the world during the 80s as well. A lil repetitive in parts but I didn’t mind that much, and will read more books from this series about other decades!

[Cathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not feel represented as a teen growing up in the 1980s with "New Wave" style, but this was still entertaining.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fun to read the author's take on fashion during a time that I was a young adult and remembered much of what was going on. As the other books in this series that I've read, it explains fashion against history. Quick, fun, and accessible read with lots of photographs and illustrations.

[Leah · Rating 1 out of 5]

They were missing a lot of fashion styles and they didn't focus as much on fashion as they did events in the decade.

[Tiffany Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the 80s fashion best time for fashion