A variety of fashion looks ran parallel to each other during the 1980s.
Towards the end of the 1970s, music had once again influenced fashion and bands such as the 'Sex Pistols' wore clothes by the subversive punk designer Vivienne Westwood, by now one of the best-known British fashion designers in the world. London became famous for its punk style and particulary the 'mohican' spiked hairstyle. British designer Zandra Rhodes took elements of this punk style and refined it in her collections to make it more acceptable. She used gold safety pins and gold chains to decorate the clothes, and purposely slashed holes and left skin-revealing gaps in her dresses.
Another fashion trend of the 1980s was 'The New Romantics', which saw a revival of Edwardian blouses, petticoats and camisoles. This look became especially popular thanks to the proliferation of boy bands, such as Adam and the Ants, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran.
This romantic look filtered into the mainstream through slinky satins and lace, jumpsuits, mohair jumpers and lace collared blouses.
The influence of early-Eighties punk continued during the mid-Eighties, with designers such as Gianni Versace and Azzedine Alaïa using safety pins, brass buttons and skin-tight lycra in their respective designs.
The aggressive punk style of the Eighties was followed by the big shoulders and primary colours of the 'power dressing' look. This style was epitomized by popular programmes such as Dynasty and Dallas, and by the sharp suits favoured by Diana, Princess of Wales and Margaret Thatcher.
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