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 pop-divas are photographed 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. So it works for “the shot”. A hot designer can strut a brown stain down a runway and the eager (sometimes predictable) stylist will rush to get their clients photographed in it. The celebrity gets paparazzi’d, and before the day is gone, you’re sitting next to Mr. Beyonce wearing a shoulder padded white blazer at a concert. That’s how fast it hits mainstream.
But should mainstream be so quick to jump on the trend?
The ferocity of celebrity marketing can be dangerous and leave you, the average person, looking crazy. Who wants to be dubbed “the girl with the shoulder pads”? Wanting an extra accessory to give you some individuality? Try something else. Something that fits you. Big shoulders may not be the hit.
The idea of padded shoulders started with the wives of rich merchants in the 30′s and were later militarized during World War II. Power dressing dominated 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 cotton padding is a bad idea for the 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 oneself, friends, and family. But with the speed of the web, yesterday is sooo last year. Don’t be the victim of some forced trend. Check your facebook or tumblr, and start deleting.
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-waist 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, if the web has its way.
THE CORRECT WAY TO ROCK SHOULDER' PADS!
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