A 1980's Fashion Tragic

Firstly, I must admit to having been a teenager in the 1980's, which dates me for sure. It was an exciting time to be alive though, with the massive shoulder pads, big hair and rampant optimism. During those times, I used to live in the town of Newcastle, located on the coast of New South Wales, Australia. I remember waiting for a Friday or Saturday night to roll around, so that I could head off with my friends to the local clubs and pubs.

The Palais Royale was one of the most popular places to have a drink and dance. The Palais started out as a roller skating rink in 1929, but by the 80's was a night club. There was always a house band at the Palais, which from memory was called 'Slippery When wet'. One night when I went there I saw a renowned stage hypnotist manage to get various people I knew, up on the stage and act like chickens and do all manner of wacky things. Another spot, which had a lot of live bands was called Fanny's and I believe the place is still going strong.

There were lots of live bands playing in the 80's and I saw my fair share like: iron Maiden, Australian Crawl, Suzie Quattro, Rose tattoo and Midnight Oil. Live bands often played at the beach as well, which was fun and the girls would be parading around in miniature bikinis and the blokes in boadies ......and I almost forgot, a 'poodle perm' was an essential for quite a few years of the 80s.

Memories of the Palais Royale

There was actually a huge variety of fashions going on in the 80's. The TV program Dynasty, for example, was hugely inspirational for a time and resulted in the power suit and the wearing of lots of diamantes. Another big craze was initiated by the New Romantic style of bands, like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC, Culture Club and here in Australia Pseudo Echo. Then there was the tube skirt phase, which involved wearing a simple, generally black elastic tube of material as a skirt, with a gigantic belt slung low on the hips (I cringe with memories of fashion horrors committed ). Acid washed jeans were another feature of 80's fashion and I have noticed they are back in vogue lately. Somehow though, I find I have to turn away when I see fashion victims wearing that look.- I probably overdosed on acid wash back in the 80's.

No mention of 80's fashion would be complete without reference to Madonna's bleached shaggy hair 'do' with the ribbon (very big!), pearls, lace gloves and the layered look with tights (again guilty as charged). Then again, what about George Michael and Wham, the fluoro craze and 'Choose Life' t-shirts?

It makes me happy though, just thinking about those times, as I go off to do the ironing singing that boppy 80's tune 'Wake me Up before You Go- Go'.