Shouldah Pads: A BAD FAD or A CLASSIC
November 5, 2009 by erica · Leave a Comment
Some vintage trends should stay buried for a little while longer. In this case its shoulder pad, circa the late 80s to mid 90s.
Three of the hottest celebrities out are shown flawlessly styling “Accentuated Shoulders” courtesy of the Dynasty era. Question: Do ugly trends seem to work better with celebrities?
Yes and no.
Yes because shoulder pads are an attention grabbing accessory. Celebs are desperate to outdo and one-up each other on the next great trend. A hot designer can promote a brown stain and have stylists rushing to get their clients photographed with it. The ferocity of celebrity marketing can be dangerous and leave a layman looking crazy. Shoulder pads can easily leave you looking like the girl with the shoulder pads. Wanting an extra accessory to give you some individuality? Try digging deep within yourself and find what in your personality can show in a wardrobe. Shoulder pads may not be the hit.
The idea of padded shoulders started with the wive’s of rich merchants in the 30′s and were later militarized during World War II. Power dressing donimated the market in the 80s giving birth to the soap opera fashions of Dynasty and Dallas.
It’s not as if shamelessly sporting a blazer stuffed with exaggerated cotton shoulders is a bad idea for the regular working ladies. Expressing one’s individuality is an essential part of exuding style, but there comes a time when one must pause and think about the future. Combing through photos of authentic nostalgia can be a fun way to amuse onself as opposed to checking out last year’s facebook photos and realizing that you were the victim of some forced trend. The lack of originality is what keeps me at bay. It could also be the time I sat near a man wearing the exact same white jacket Beyonce wore (above) at one of her concerts.
The fond memories of Dynasty, Dallas, Grace Jones and the Golden Girls brings peace to the iconic symbol of girl power. Fashion is an ever evolving rotation of the old becoming anew. Diahann Carol and friends deserve big ups for the effortless execution of wearing a good shoulder pad. When will there be a trend that’s unseen? High-waisted belts, shoulder pads, hammer pants, fro mullets, 80′s tight jeans. Soon we’ll be wearing what we wore yesterday as if it’s brand new.
THE CORRECT WAY TO ROCK SHOULDER' PADS!
WHO wins best shoulder pads? BEYONCE, CI CI, or Rhianna?
© 2009 – 2010, erica. All rights reserved by Sub Urban Media Group.
