Vintage 80's: What trends have you noticed?

As a collector of vintage clothing, I'm seeing more and more vintage 80's and 90's clothing in vintage clothing shops. I had just gotten my mind wrapped around the fact that 70's was vintage, when I started noticing a lot of 80's (not exactly high quality or designer either) in the shops. I have also noticed some on Ebay, but it doesn't seem to be selling very well there, unless it is designer.

Has anyone else noticed this trend? I must be getting old because I'm having a hard time thinking of this as vintage! I'd like to invest in some, but I find the quality lacking in so much of it. Are there any labels or designers from that era that you find well made? With quality fabrics?

I hope I have posted this in the correct forum. If not, please move. Thanks.

 

When I started collecting in the late 1970s I was buying things from the 1950s and they were only 20-25 years old at the time, and my parents thought I was crazy... so, if you think about it, 25 years ago was 1988 - its just a part of age. I have been acquiring 80s things for years - especially designer clothes, street fashions (goth, punk)...

 

Guess it's time to admit I'm old! Don't want to miss out on the good 80's stuff. I was just looking at some completed auctions on Ebay and there are some very nice designer pieces that look extremely well made. I just haven't run across much of this in the vintage clothing shops around here. It's all that shiny fake silk stuff. What IS that stuff, anyway? Like most other things, the nicer pieces probably end up in online auctions like Ebay.

 

Hollyfrocks, thank you for your suggestion: I've moved this thread to the Vintage Chatter forum.

Good '80s has been in demand for some time now - at least five or six years but there's still plenty of it around. Designer styles mostly, as the quality and design integrity is there.

I used to think that '80s was very poorly made but considering all the mass produced stuff we have now, with overlocked seams and top stitched hems: it's looking pretty good to me now! Except for all that silky polyester and over-sized shoulder pads of course.

I agree with Jonathan in that sub-culture clothing from the '80s is the most interesting - or go for designers like Thierry Mugler. I found a great red wool jacket with a neckline and peplum cut like flames in my stockroom. Must see if I can get the marks off as it's a corker.

 

Just read this today... Spice Girls and Fresh Princes on NYC streets...seems the trend is only getting stronger. I agree with Jonathan about what to buy. I pass on most designer stuff myself unless it is a really hot label (for cheap) or if it is very iconic. However, I do purchase 80s and 90s street fashion, punk, early Goth and "post hippie now a rich lady who still likes to dress like a hippie" clothing.

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/201...90s-style?goback=.gde_826497_member_226108085

 

Glad you moved it, CircaVintage.
I agree that 80's looks good in comparison to what's out there now! I'll have to do more research into sub-culture clothing of that decade. I was busy being a Mom then, and was lucky if I had time to notice what people were wearing! Oooo, I DO like Thierry Mugler. In fact I found a jacket once with the tags still on it! It was beautifully constructed, very angular with the most interesting collar I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I had to sell it as I desperately needed the money. :( I recently found an orange jumpsuit by him as well. It's not my favorite piece, but it has a cool star shaped neckline. I'm keeping this piece, however.

So that's what that shiny stuff is? Polyester silk? Not my favorite fabric by any means and trying to be polite. I had a feeling if I could get some guidance, I MIGHT be able to get into the 80's, so thanks very much.

 

"post hippie now a rich lady who still likes to dress like a hippie" LOL! Can you give me an example of what THAT looks like?

 

I'm sure that there's no silk in that silky polyester! Still, as awful as it is, it's superior to the polyester double knit they got excited over in the '70s. I wonder if in the future we'll feel the same about '90s polyester microfibre?

 

Love the earrings! OK, I think I'm starting to catch the 80's bug, now!

 

Oh, yes, that's 70's polyester was nasty! I remember wearing that in High School. UGH.

 

Thank you mags_rags. This is really fascinating. I could get very interested in this 80's stuff! What kind of fabric is that made from? I'm going to look up Carole Little 80's right now. Everytime I thought about the 80's all I could envison was that TV show "Saved by the Bell"....little ankle socks with lace trim and all. And, oh! Parachute Pants!

 

It looks like a nice fabric. I was looking at photos of Jeanne Marc and I totally "get" the look now and rather like it! Checked out Carole Little as well, which is similar. I was looking at 80's grunge dresses too, and it's all starting to come back to me. Now to check out punk which even I remember!

 

I actually love polyester. Never needs ironing and easy peasy to clean.

 

I like polyester too! I commute by bicycle and keep a vintage dress rolled up in my backpack. It doesn't wrinkle, the colors are still vibrant after 40-50 years, and it can be machine washed and dried. It also holds its shape better than wool or cotton knits.

 

Polyester is definitely the most popular fabric - it's what most people's wardrobes have been comprised of for almost fifty years.

 

Maybe I can learn to love polyester too. You never know! I actually do like the poly/cotton blend blouses from the early 60s. Especially if they are "broken in".
Back to the 80's for a second. I have spent quite a bit of time googling images of 80's fashion. It strikes me now as incredibly diverse, colorful and creative. And is actually MUCH more interesting than the 70's! I'm looking even more forward to treasure hunts with this new-found fondness for all things 80's.