This post focuses on the preppy pop side of the 80s. The side of the 80s is upbeat and fun – a far cry from the skinhead movement gaining momentum in the cities. Looking back the fashion seems like a train wreck of colour, pattern and texture but there are those who managed to pull it off. Neon, fishnets and lace gloves are not something for the faint hearted but a look that Madonna jumped into and embraced. My other icon of the era, Prince, also glided through the decade managing to look magnificent in the most bazar outfits I have ever seen. This blog is dedicated to the two top divas of the 80s: Madonna and Prince.
Madonna first landed on the music scene looking every inch the 80s pop princess. Wrist full of plastic bangles, the skirt over leggings combo and lace gloves she had a bold look. As the 80s progressed however her look changed, she became the pure white virgin, the tom boy and then finally she oozed in to Hollywood glamour. Part of Madonnas appeal in this era is that she chopped and changed as the fashion did, and with the introduction of MTV girls were exposed to her style and mannerisms in their home. Madonnas legacy is still strong, not only is she on the soundtrack of every 80s CD on the planet, but when looking back at the 80s her style is what we see. With her music and style Madonna is the epitome of 80s pop culture.
Prince is a bit of an enigma. When establishing himself as an artist he went the opposite way to most male performers of the time. Prince opted for a more feminine look, with ladies undies and heels being at the front of the wardrobe. Taking a bolder take on the androgynous theme than Bowie, Prince presented himself as a dandy, in rich sumptuous fabrics, and a face delicately covered in make up. He was about big costumes, ruffles, heels, lace the whole shabang and this is a bold look that demands attention making him one of the ultimate divas of the 80s.
Madonna and Prince’s style could not be more different, but they’re joined in their demand for attention and to be remembered and seen. Looking back at the 80s it’s easy to say they succeeded.
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