The 1980s were a revolutionary decade in fashion and one of the most iconic trends to be developed in this decade was the 80s punk fashion. The movement, with its revolutionary essence and anti-establishment mood redefined the attitude towards fashion, opening the way to a more adventurous, individualistic approach to fashion. However, just what is the 80s fashion, and why is it still so important in the world of fashion?
The Rise of 80s Punk Fashion
Punk fashion began to leave the underground in the early 1980s. The style emerged in the late 70s as a result of the punk rock movement, which incorporated outrageous, even shocking, features and was opposed to conventional fashion. The punk fashion of the 80s was marked by the need to create an impact and rebel against society. Whether wild hairstyles, leather jackets or homemade clothes, the style was all personality plus rebelliousness.
The punk girls were not a mere clothing enterprise, but an anti-style. Punk rock bands like The Clash, The Sex Pistols and Blondie gave this edgy look its popularity. These bands promoted a subculture that would be an inspiring generation with their own music and sense of fashion.
The main Punk Fashion in the 80s.
Bold and unconventional materials were considered one of the most important elements of punk fashion. The punk wardrobe included leather jackets, studs and chains. These hard and sturdy materials represented the nonconformist aspect of the punk movement. Jackets were known to be decorated with band logos, political messages or controversial patches that could say everything about the beliefs of a person wearing it.
Denim was another element of 80s punk fashion. It could be a pair of torn jeans or a DIY-ed jacket but in any case, denim became a creative medium to express punk creativity. The torn and ripped clothes were not perceived as flaws, but as a symbol of pride; the punk was ready to rebel against the conventions.
Hairstyles: The Radder the Better.
Punk fashion did not only concern the clothes but total transformation. The punk aesthetic included a lot of hair. Neon colors, spiked styles and shaved heads were prevalent among men and women. The punk fashion movement of the 80s encouraged people to show their own individuality by sporting radical hairstyles that distinguished them from mainstream society.
The Mohawk was the most symbolic of them all. The sides were shaved off and the top of colorful spikes was the final statement of punk rebellion. Not only to inspire shock the Mohawk was a statement of rebellion. It was a continuation of the punk spirit, which was beyond music and culture and it identified the wearer as belonging to a movement of rebellion.
Footwear: Boots and Converse
Footwear in punk fashion in the 80s played an important role in the design. Punks wore combat boots that were usually studded or chained and this symbolized their strength and resistance. These shoes were worn together with torn jeans or leather trousers and made up the punk outfit.
There was another favorite option, Converse sneakers, particularly black or brightly colored. Converse became the youth and rebellion culture when worn by punks and mainstream people alike. The rubber-soled shoes represented the wish of punk to be accessible yet be able to demonstrate individuality.
Punk Fashion of the 80s Do-It-Yourself Culture.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) was also one of the most characteristic features of 80s fashion. Punk fashion was not about buying expensive designer clothes, but rather making something special with what was at hand. A great number of punks customized their clothing with patches, studs and spray paint to personalize them.
This do-it-yourself culture was the straightforward response to the punk movement to consumerism and mass-produced culture. It made people be creative, rebel against the concept of perfection, and make fashion personal.
Punk Fashion Icons of the 80s
A number of characters became synonymous with punk fashion in the 80s. One of them was the well-renowned and famous Vivien westwood whose designs were pivotal in bringing punk to the fashion industry. It was the collaboration between Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, the manager of The Sex Pistols that resulted in the development of sexually charged punk-inspired designs that were highly influential.
Other musicians like Debbie Harry of Blondie, Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols and Joey Ramone of The Ramones also mainstreamed the punk scene. These artists not only shaped punk music, but they also shaped punk fashion with their strange attire and the trends that pushed the limits of fashion.
The Impact of Punk Fashion on 80s Pop Culture.
The punk fashion movement in the 80s not only influenced the music industry, but also pop culture. Films like The Breakfast Club and Sid and Nancy could afford to show the punk subculture, and were used to recognize it as a major cultural phenomenon. In these movies, characters adopted the rebel style which was identified with the 80s.
The effects of punk fashion of the 80s reached the sphere of art and visual culture, too. Punk fashion was a kind of protest, which artists resorted to in order to discuss social problems and traditional values. Punk was a statement of individuality, anti-authoritarianism and anti-consumerism through fashion.
Punk fashion in the 80s has reemerged today.
Although punk fashion first came into the picture in the 80s as a sign of rebellion, it has since become a cultural icon that continues to shape the fashion industry today. The punk style is frequently re-explored by designers and brands with modern innovations while keeping its radicalism and rawness. In reality, punk fashion of the 80s has become mainstream and high fashion brands such as Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood are now using aspects of punk in their collections.
Furthermore, punk style has been fashioned into street wear where brands such as Supreme and Off-White are inspired by the rebellious attribute of punk culture. Such a regeneration is a tribute to the enduring influence of punk fashion of the 80s, both on high and on everyday fashion.
FAQ’s
What is 80s punk fashion?
The punk clothes of the 80s are a subversive style that developed out of the punk rock movement in the early 1980s. It was defined by leather jackets, torn clothes, pierced hair and anti-establishment utterances.
Who were the key players in punk fashion in the 80s?
Vivienne Westwood and Debbie Harry, Sid Vicious and Joey Ramone, were individuals who made a distinct input to the 80s style of fashion punk.
What was the role of punk fashion in terms of the punk movement?
The punk fashion was a direct impact of the punk movement; of defiance against mainstream culture and consumerism. It focused on individuality, creativity and rebellion with nonconformative clothing and do-it-yourself styles.
Will punk fashion of the 80s work today?
Definitely! 80s punk clothing still has an effect on modern fashion and a lot of designers and street wear brands use the elements of punk clothing in their collections.
What are some of the major punk fashion trends?
The punk fashion of the 80s was formerly worn in the shape of leather jackets, cut denim, studs, chains, and combat boots which could be fitted.
What was the significance of DIY fashion to the punk movement?
The DIY fashion played a significant role in the punk movement as it was opposed to the consumerism that had been mass-produced and it encouraged people to be more creative and customize their clothes.
Is punk fashion of the 80s high fashion now?
Yes, the punk fashion of the 80s has been replaced by high fashion, with even such designers as Vivienne Westwood incorporating punk outfits into the high-end collections.
Conclusion
80s Punk Fashion was not a mere fashion, but was a revolution. It was an invention of the punk rock movement and never fitted any rule of the social world but gave a new mind as far as fashion was concerned. DIY patches spiked mohawks created in the punk style of the 80s decade saw people testing the methods of expressing themselves with radical and unconventional dress choices. In our modern times, punk style can be inspirational and used in the fashion industry, and it shows that the spirit of rebellion of the 1980s is not gone in fashion.