“Colorama” by David Sims for Vogue Paris, February 2018

Emmanuelle Alt gives us the ladies of the 80’s in “Colorama” by David Sims for Vogue Paris, February 2018. Take a tour of fashions past with over-the-top styles that speak to the gregarious gorgeousness of the 1980’s. Beauty Shakin’ Beauty has just begun taking fashion to the heights of vintage fun. This dynamic editorial captures the chaos of change and the decade that brought it to the forefront. Sexual exploration was coursing through the veins of every young person, and expressionism was the chosen mode of release. This wasn’t merely a season of style, it was a decade dedicated to the distinction of change. Riding us straight through the 80’s gates, the momentum of madness took over as gorging on gorgeous began. Many make the mistake of categorizing this era as one infused only by greed. And, while I won’t deny that played a part, one can’t forget the influence of punk, metal, pop and more. The phenomenon of change took place, not unlike the subculture of 60’s-mod and 70’s-disco. A monetary standing was no longer something kept private. Secrecy was over, it was time for subtly and prosperity to split forces, and let the focus of fiscal earnings take it’s “rightful” place. We were on the doorstep of redefined decadence, all we had to do was walk through those shiny gates. This decade (for better or worse) marked this time in history.

Emmanuelle looks back to see ahead with styles that speak 80’s chic. Like a canvas of creativity, each picture portrays a passion for playful fashion. Giving a voice to the voiceless… freedom was the name of the game, and females were more that ready to use theirs. We had entered a world where we were only limited by our imagination. Gone were the days of sugar and sweet now girls were ready to take it to the streets. They were evolving from these beautiful creatures that had no voice, to walking, talking works of modern art. To Be Heard… Finally… Really Heard. To be a valuable part of the conversation. Free expression was upon us, and none were willing to pass up the opportunity to emote. The body was no longer merely a hanger for clothing, it was a vehicle for personal display.

Just like the era it depicts, these images embrace the art of excess. Edie Campbell starts us off with a captivating shot that captures the tone of the times. A fiery, red jumpsuit speaks to the speed of style, while black leather and bodysuits bring sex into the mix. Moving to a more upbeat 80’s interpretation, Edie wears a bagging one-piece denim number topped with bright pink glasses and shoes to match. Natasha Poly follows her lead, going from leather and whips to a lady that lunches. Bold colors flood each page knockin’ us out in a radical rage. This tenor of extremity gives us a perfect picture of the era’s intensity.

A black-leather bustier and a red-tulle skirt speak to the era of indulgence, as Birgit Kos embodies the over-the-top theme with poetic perfection. The 80’s is alive on this high fashion drive, as Mame Thiane Camara holds on to the handle bars of beauty, in a screaming-pink, spandex suit & vibrant-blue, knee-high boots. Big Shoulders Were The Thing, as Oumie Jammeh flies on high in a graphic jumpsuit with wings. A blast of orange, pink & white show in diagonal display as rhinestone glasses get us ready for sun-shiny day. Haute Pink Lips prove she’s an 80’s Baby All the Way, as Duffy makes her hair Fade Away.

Amandine Renard stands in the center of this moody, blue room as a pop explosion explodes around her. Appearing like an avant-garde masterpiece, Lucia Pieroni takes an extreme turn with makeup that expresses a more punk application. A manic mix of art and pleasure turn this into a cosmetic treasure. Her yellow pants don’t betray her sullen nature, instead they up her instinct. Black surrounds the eyes topped off with a purple hue, then matched in kind, her lips radiate with the same vibe. Dancing to the beat, Cara Taylor holds a coke in one hand while perfectly depicting the energetic modeling from that era. But don’t get it twisted, this was also a time of overt sexuality. Alexandra Micu brings beauty that burns and a face that follows, with a fiery mouth that holds all the secrets.

Kaia Gerber offers a unique take on the era for someone so young, bringing a fresh set of eyes to the mix (with eyebrows so thick they need their own zip code). Duffy does Kaia’s hair in braids that speak to an undone chic, with a wild style that embraces her unbridled energy. Signally the end of the era is near, shows she can go from glamour to grunge. Pieroni creates an eye that seems to fly overhead, with blue shadow swiped up/over the lid. Adut Akech evokes a moody blue sentiment with looks that explore the more artistic side of the decade. These images are phenomenally powerful and poetically inspired. Unfortunately this decade would come largely to be known as a mecca for money. But, as I view Adut’s adaptation of the time period I am left to ponder.