By Ingrid Schmidt
Decked out in Louis Vuitton for Vogue Paris in 1983, Jerry Hall captures the over-the-top glamour of the Eighties.
“I have to say I was never really a big fan of fashion in the Eighties, but the photographs here in David Bailey’s book of that era have such a strong point of view that I am beginning to come around! Bailey jumped right into this new vibe with his bold and often humorous portraits of the personalities of the time, such as Grace Jones, David Bowie, Jack Nicholson, and Tina Turner; affectionately tongue-in-cheek photographs of Helmut Newton, Karl Lagerfeld, and Manolo Blahnik; and dramatic high-fashion images of high-voltage models such as Jerry Hall, Marie Helvin, and [actor] Anjelica Huston. In so many ways, he owned the era … Back in London, Bailey’s Primrose Hill studio was ground zero for the dynamic spirit of the times, which Bailey not only embraced but defined.” — Grace Coddington
“David Bailey. Eighties” is available at Books & Books, Bal Harbour Shops.
POWER PLAY
“The new decade brought in a generation of women who knew what they wanted: power suits and high glamour. I wouldn’t call this look chic exactly, it was too extreme, with greased-back mullet hairstyles, colorful makeup, jackets with huge, padded shoulders worn atop the shortest mini-skirts and dangerously high-heeled shoes.” — Grace Coddington
Jerry Hall in high-Eighties fashion: sharp-shoulder blazers and a cinched-waist silhouette, captured by Bailey.
PARTY PEOPLE
“Fashion loved bright colors—turquoise, acid lemon, emerald-green, red, and, of course, purple. It created Spandex, New Wave, and bright, brash looks sent out across the world on MTV.” — Grace Coddington
Cindy Crawford dons a voluminous cherry-colored Monica Chong dress for British Vogue, 1987, captured by Bailey. Current looks from Carolina Herrera and Valentino echo the party girl vibe.
GLAMORAMA
Jerry Hall as glam as glam could be, pictured with Helmut Newton; Brynja Sverris showcases a statement Yves Saint Laurent jacket with vibrant separates for Vogue Italia, 1987.
Ready for your Eighties moment? Start with these looks from the Spring/Summer collections, available now at Bal Harbour Shops.
All book images © David Bailey; courtesy of David Bailey and Taschen
