From the start of haute couture to the disaster of double denim, we take a look at fashion through the decades and the stars with influence. Today we take a look at the 70s and 80s. To view them all check out Style's digital edition out now.
Think Cher, Joni Mitchell and the notorious Studio 54, where all sorts of delicious disco-clad scandals went down. And Cher did the nude dress way before any of the Kardashians did. Her 1974 Met Gala dress, designed by Bob Mackie, was almost completely sheer with a few feathers, beads and no pasties. It caused a bit of a storm. When she wore it on the cover on Time magazine again, some cities went as far as to ban it. It was also the era of Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, David Bowie, Diana Ross and, of course, Sir Elton John. And we all sighed in collective relief when Diane von Furstenberg designed the wrap dress in 1974. Two years later, five million dresses had been sold.
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Actor and model Farrah Fawcett rose to fame in the TV series Charlie's Angels. Her famous hair 'flick' brought her recognition, but also her love of high waisted denim flares. Posters of her were popular. One of Fawcett in a red swimsuit has reportedly been purchased 12 million times. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Madonna owned this decade. She wasn’t just a force of fashion, but created a social-cultural whirlwind. She spurned convention and brought sexuality to the stage in a way perhaps not seen since Elvis’s hip thrusts had people clutching their pearls in horror.
Cyndi Lauper was also fond of throwing out the rule book – though we shan’t forgive her for our grim DIY hair-colouring disasters.
We can’t forget (nor forgive?) the TV show Dynasty (1981–1989)for the power suit with shoulder pad situation. It was also the era of the Reebok worn with a slouchy sock, oversized everything, and did someone say Jane Fonda workout videos? And, of course, The Breakfast Club (1985) and Molly Ringwald.
Cyndi Lauper's fearless hair and clothes influenced the 80s. Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images