BRIDAL DESIGN IN THE 1980s

At best, the 1980s was a showcase of gorgeous fabrics and a welcome revival in bridal wear echoing times past. At worst, it was all those gigantic, over-the-top, poufy sleeves, blinding white cheesy satin, and lace covered in beads and sequins. Some of the traditional cookie-cutter bridal wear from the 70s got a shot of inspiration when Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981 in a silk taffeta ball gown redolent of the prior century. Thereafter came a certain fairy-tale aspect to wedding fashion, mostly inspired by European designers that has been with us ever since,

Above: The Prairie Revival in fashion began in the 70s and was with us through the 80s. It initially evolved from the hippe and folk movement. While Jessica McClintock revived the Prairie Gown with her Gunne Sax line in the seventies, the more haute couture versions of Prairie came to us through the stunning creations of British designer, Laura Ashley. She used finer imported cottons and voiles in some of the images above where we get a glimpse of this look at its best--a sort of Prairie meets Jane Austen. Vintage elements were really brought out in the accessories like the picture hat and crochet gloves. Below: Headpieces and sleeves were big. Close ups here show some very pretty laces and applications as well as over-the-top and extremely ridiculous!