FASHION

Punk fashion experienced a renaissance in the early 80s influenced by heavy metal, bringing forth a generation of Doc Martens, leather skirts, and studded belts.

Across the pond, New Romanticism swept the nation and men were decked out in eyeliner, teased hair and androgynous clothes with frilly tops right out of the 1700s.

In addition to New Romanticism, the early 80s was the golden era for preppy fashion: loafers, argyle sweaters, polo shirts and khakis. 

MUSIC

Imagine a dark and terrible time of no instant music downloads, no YouTube videos, and yes, people even had to wait for an album’s release. Horrors!

Like other decades, the music of the 80s chronicled the events of the era. MTV was probably the most influential force in the music industry of the 80s. Debuting in 1981, the channel gave bands and artists greater exposure for their music and pushed the envelope of visual creativity through music videos.

The waning Punk movement helped influence New Wave and Alternative bands; Rock and Roll, Arena rock hair bands, Heavy Metal, as well as the introduction of Hip Hop to the mainstream were all going strong.

The ‘80s have been described as a decade of greed, but there was a backlash against the corporate world, especially in the music industry, which led to huge worldwide concerts such as Live Aid, Band Aid, and Hands Across America that brought awareness to plights occurring in other parts of the world.

Playlists from 1981 >>