Wednesday 11 November 2015

Don't hate the Eighties! Vintage Fashion Special.

The eighties has a really bad reputation when it comes to fashion, but if you delve a little deeper than neon leg warmers and ra-ra skirts, 1980s vintage fashion has a lot to offer in 2015...

The 1980s evening dress is a real classic that works for two very particular reasons. Firstly, the sleek and feminine lines work to accentuate and flatter a woman's curves and secondly most of the fabrics are very female friendly. I'm talking silks, sequins and lots of viscose.

1980s Vintage Laurence Kazar Red Sequin Cocktail Dress UK Size 12/14

Some of our favourite evening dress necklines jump right out of the 80s including the cowl neck, slashed neck, cut out back and high neck. There is also of course, that cute prom dress style of dresses that give a nod toward the 1950's whilst staying short, tight and flirty. In 1986, Christian Lacroix created this style with fitted bodices and skirt puffball skirts. It was a refreshing change for women who has spent years wearing classic floor length gowns to black tie events. Now the the economic boom for the youth and Yuppy culture flying high, cocktail parties and soirees were much more fashionable, and these just screamed out for younger, shorter and cuter styles of dresses.

Designers started to go over the top with their creations and soon there was no such thing as too many sequins or bows that were too large. Frilled tops, dropped waist skirt with tutus, back bustles, pastel colours, beads and ribbons all featured heavily for anyone who was anyone.

1980s Vintage Gina Bacconi Pink and Black Prom Dress UK Size 6/8

In 1987, Yves Saint Laurent and Emanuel Ungaro took the hemlines even shorter. Early Ungaro versions featured rouched satin skirts in rich chocolate brown, contrasted with cerise pink details such as rose corsages, sashes and trains.

I absolutely love 1980s evening dresses (with the odd exception of course!) and not least the fully sequinned shift dresses in bright jewel colours or the over the top fishtail skirts and asymmetric necklines. It'd pretty difficult to find a high street party dress today that doesn't have some 1980's vintage influence, and the more the start to explore, the more surprised you'll be.

Original 1980s Radley Peplum Cocktail Dress UK Size 10

So put crimped hair, glow sticks, white socks and rainbow lycra out of your head and start thinking of the endless possibilities of 80s fashion. I guarantee there will be something you like when you really start looking. You may even end up with a fantastic 80s dress for your Christmas party this year!

1980s Black Evening Maxi Dress with Metallic Strands


We have a huge and impressive range of 1980s vintage clothing here at My Vintage, browse the online rails at www.myvintage.co.uk or pop in to see us at our shop in Darwen town centre.

Over and out!
Em xx

Tuesday 10 November 2015

The 1960's - Out of this World

No doubt inspired but the Yuri Gagarin space race of 1961, cutting edge fashion houses such as Courréges and Pierre Cardin began to bring futuristic collections to the catwalks. Using limited colour palettes, shimmering silvers and glossy whites; these 'space age' clothes were based on that fantasy vision of life in the modern year 2000. The pretty, whimsical and superfluous decorations were shunned in favour of short straight skirts, simple a-line tunics and flat leather boots and shoes. Minimal was the buzz word.




In 1964, André Courréges showed his 'Moon Girl' collection which was full of straight lines, boxy shapes and most definitely no frill in sight. Skinny trouser suits with front slits to fall open over flat boots, simple square cute coats with basic pockets and buttons and of course the very shortest of short skirts. Accessories were also 'space age' with goggle style sunglasses and astronaut inspired helmet-style hats.



In an already androgynous style era, the hard and straight lines of these collections and the more angular models that were chosen to show them off, led to a trend in his 'n' hers clothing. It was the must have look for young hipster couples who would have identical looks to show they shared absolutely everything.

I love the modern take on 60s Space Age fashion and here is a quick checklist of the most important features of this trend:


  • Mini pinafore dresses.
  • Monochrome and graphic prints.
  • Plastic detail and accessories.
  • Asymmetric cutting.
  • PVC coats.
  • Metal and chain mail incorporated into garments.
  • White, silver and shimmer.



We always have a great range of 1960's fashion here at My Vintage and if you fancy stepping into their preconceived version of the future, come and see some of our collections - they are truly out of this world!

You can shop 24/7 at www.myvintage.co.uk or visit us in store on The Circus in Darwen,