Body Copy

Discover the creative explosion of London fashion during the 1980’s in a major exhibition at the V&A. Explore a range of sub cultures throughout the exhibition, in combination with 80’s music, florescent lighting and a club atmosphere.

Glam Fetish

Vivienne Westwood’s shop SEX introduced fetish and bondage wear to the club and music scene. The look was enriched with Glam Rock elements such as gold leather and flashy jewelry.

Knit Wear

This style varied from vintage-styled hand knits to machine knits that offered a sleek body hugging look while deconstructed, punk influenced jumpers were a familiar part of the alternative scene.

Hard Times

This phase is the complete opposite to the New Romantic phase that was due to come. Ripped t-shirts and leather jackets emphasized masculinity and being tough.

New Romantic

The look was androgynous, dripping with diamante and laden down with eyeliner, and that was men. Eyeliner, frilly shirts and clothing that is aimed at the opposite sex represented the New Romantic era.

Rave

A number of DJ’s to recreate the sound and atmosphere of ecstasy-fuelled Ibiza dance clubs. The shapes of the early 1980’s disappeared and tight fitting wear evolved which featured Day-Glo colours and metallic tones.

Goth

The gothic era featured black leather, black make up, with Dr. Marten boots and studded accessories.The Goth look emerged from a combination of punk, fetish and the 80’s obsession of with dressing.

Political

Over sized T-shirts with political messages in large, bold text, were a way of protesting through fashion.

Body Map

Body map took leisure to the 1980’s and using jersey velor and lycra, mauled them to design shapes and the addition of striking bold graphic patterns, prints and a splash colour. Body map produced a blend of form fitting knits, layered sketch, and jersey rhythmic print.

Tradition & Subversion

Traditional British textiles such as wool suiting’s, tweeds and shirting provided a palette of colors and materials, which also appealed to womens wear designers.

John Galliano recalled, “Thursday and Friday at St Martin’s, the college was almost deserted. Everyone was at home working on their costumes for the weekend.’