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The ‘80s marked the onset of a remarkable global transformation. With the cold war dwindling down and communism in a state decline around the world, capitalism began to thrive in developed countries. As such, the western world experienced a rise in consumerism where personal tech products (like the newly launched Personal Computer) became more attainable to the average consumer. And with dawn of MTV and music videos at the beginning of the decade, western pop culture was ready to take the world by storm.
MINI IN THE ‘80s.
The Mini Mayfair (1982).
One of the first Mini models to feature headrests and tinted glass. Featuring a 998-cc engine with 40 HP, it could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 19.6 seconds.
The Mini Mark V (1984).
The first Mini Mark V was originally the MINI 25 – the 25th anniversary Mini – introduced in June of 1984. Based on the previously introduced Mini Mayfair model, it featured a saloon-style body and a 998-cc engine, but also included 12” wheels and 8.4” disc brakes to keep up with competitive pressure.
Mini Designer Edition Mary Quant (1988).
A limited-edition Mini created by legendary Mini fan and designer Mary Quant. The car featured striking black and white-striped upholstery – an homage to the “mini skirt” created by Quant and inspired by Mini.
Rover Mini Cooper (1989).
In the hands of the Rover Group, the Mini was modified to run on unleaded gasoline to keep up with new legislation. The car had much success in Japan, where Mini had attracted a cult following since the mid-70s.
ICONS OF THE TIME.
Madonna.
Madonna’s massive influence on pop culture is undeniable. Dubbed “The Queen of Pop”, she was one of the first female artists to project an image of control, drive, and fierce independence long before Britney or Beyonce. In the ‘80s, she brought female sexuality to the forefront, with her suggestive music videos and her risqué performance of Like a Virgin at the MTV Music Awards. Today, her unapologetic attitude is a source of inspiration for countless women and members of the LGBTQ community, while her rebellious approach to music and creativity can still be felt in artists like Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Cardi B.
“I AM BECAUSE WE ARE. WE ALL BLEED THE SAME COLOR. WE ALL WANT TO LOVE AND BE LOVED.”
- Madonna, on diversity.
Prince
Prince didn’t just change the world of music; he changed the world’s perceptions on topics like sexuality, race, beauty, and masculinity. With his constantly evolving, gender-ambiguous look, he helped smash stereotypes and empower millions to express their own individuality. An artist who could not be categorized, he blended funk, pop, blues, electro, and rock & roll with a distinct falsetto voice to create a brand that was uniquely ‘Prince’. Everything about him transcended the norms and standards of the day, and for that very reason, his influence is still felt today.
“AM I BLACK OR AM I WHITE? AM I STRAIGHT OR AM I GAY?”
- Prince, on identity.
Princess Diana.
While Princess Diana helped modernize the British monarchy’s image, she also became a cultural phenomenon in her own right. Her beauty, charismatic character, and good nature made her one of the most popular figures of the 1980s, attracting legions of devoted fans in Great Britain and beyond. Known across the world as “the People’s Princess”, she used her stature to promote awareness and raise money for a range of important causes, from homelessness and land mines to the HIV/AIDS crisis that was plaguing the world in the ‘80s. It’s argued that her commitment to humanitarianism helped inspire countless modern celebrities to make philanthropy an essential part of their own lives and personal brands.
“ANYWHERE I SEE SUFFERING, THAT IS WHERE I WANT TO BE, DOING WHAT I CAN”.
- Princess Diana, on compassion.
THE SOUNDS OF THE ‘70s.
Thanks to the introduction of MTV and the popularisation of the music video, “pop stars” became more popular then ever in the ‘80s, with icons like Madonna, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Cyndi Lauper dominating the airwaves. And despite the popularity of pop, new musical genres emerged from the underground (perhaps as a direct antithesis to pop), from hip hop and rap, to metal and new wave. Here are the sounds that defined the generation.
STYLE SPOTLIGHT.
HIGH-WAISTED JEANS.
In the late ‘70s and into the ‘80s, there was a backlash against low-waisted disco and hippie styles, with members of Generation X increasingly opting for high-waisted jeans. These straight-legged, acid wash jeans were a nod to a more rebellious, rock n’ roll lifestyle, and were a trend driven by fashion icons like Madonna.
SHOULDER PADS.
It’s impossible to think of ‘80s fashion without picturing shoulder pads. As women increasingly made their way into the upper echelons of the corporate world, shoulder-padded blazers and power suits gave them the masculine silhouette they needed to both fit in and assert their power in the male-dominated environment. The look was a key part of power dressing and was worn by women ranging from UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Madonna and Grace Jones.
PERMS.
Like most other fashions in the 1980s, hair had to be larger than life. Those blessed with naturally curly hair teased it and hair-sprayed it to new heights, while those with straight hair did all in their power to make it curly, which all led to one thing – the perm. Perm technology had also improved in the 70s and the process was no longer as damaging on the hair, leading the way for its explosion in popularity throughout the ‘80s.
AIR JORDANS.
The 1980s were the first time that sports shoes became a high-priced fashion item – as exemplified by the popularity of Air Jordans, released by Nike in 1984. Air Jordans were originally created exclusively for Hall of Fame basketball star Michael Jordan and subsequently released to the public. The NBA banned the first iterations of the shoes, claiming they were too flashy and distracting, something which Nike played on in their advertising, hinting that the shoes gave you the competitive edge.
THE DECADE IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY.
PERSONAL COMPUTER.
The 1980s was the decade that saw the first glimpse of the world to come, as computers made their way into our homes for the first time. First to come was the IBM Personal Computer. Released in August 1981, the IBM PC was an instant success, with sales exceeding expectations by 800%. Its only true rival was the Apple Macintosh, which launched in January 1984 and cost $2,495, the equivalent of $6,302 today.
SONY WALKMAN.
Almost as much a fashion item as it was a piece of technology, the ‘80s was the decade when the Sony Walkman – and the accompanying headphones – made its debut. For the first time, people could walk down the street listening to whatever music they chose, rather than waiting for their favourite songs to come on the radio. The immense popularity of the Walkman had a knock-on effect, leading to the cassette outselling vinyl for the first time in 1983.
NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM.
In 1985 the Nintendo Entertainment System was released, changing the landscape of home entertainment forever, despite the fact that, at the time, games consoles were seen by many as merely a passing fad. The original Nintendo Entertainment System featured several now-iconic games such as Super Mario Bros, the Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The Nintendo was an instant success and was present in 37% of homes in Japan – its home market – by 1989.
VERTICAL BLINDS.
Vertical blinds became popular in the 1980s, eventually becoming a staple in homes, offices, and schools everywhere. Made of PVC and fabric, the window covering was usually produced in white or beige. They grew in popularity throughout the ‘80s and peaked in the 90s, before their popularity, and their sales, slowed significantly.
ALESSI / LA CONICA.
Italian homeware company Alessi was founded in 1921 with a focus on creating unique designs. The mass production of the 1980s marked a turning point for the design house, which had to start creating pieces which could also be easily reproduced. La Conica is a cafetiere which was released in 1984. It is the first mass produced Alessi piece and quickly became a design icon.
MEMPHIS MILANO DESIGN.
Memphis Milano Design was an Italian design collective founded by Ettore Sottsass with the aim of changing the focus of modern design. Although only active from 1980 to 87, the group’s bold, colourful, and eclectic designs had a significant impact on the public psyche, being described at various times as “bizarre”, “misunderstood”, and “loathed”.
ICONIC ENTERTAINMENT.
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