FASHION OF 80´s - POWER SUIT

Introduction 

     In the Western world, fashion of 80s was all about appearance and aesthetics and became materialistic. The visual is very important, logos, brands, make-up, funny
hairstyles, funny shoes and eccentric accessories.
Glues are bright and sometimes fluorescent, sequins and patterns are daring. The athletic body is moulded into form-fitting garments such as ripped high-waisted jeans and
leggings. Leather jackets were also an important part of this aesthetic.
The fashion of the 80s was free of all conventions and norms, and was eclectic, giving way to eccentricity where everyone could express themselves and dare to be completely free!
The X-shaped figure with broad shoulders and an accentuated waist is very popular. One of the garments that embraced this silhouette was the powersuit!
The fashions of the period, particularly the powersuit, can be seen as a form of expression for the women's cause. We have to go back a little further to realise that it was the 60s
and 70s that created a breeding ground for the expression of women's emancipation, particularly through the powersuit.

 

Tamara

Since the 1980s, the world of work has seen an increase in the share of women.  A  world that was once dominated by men began to be feminized. 


      The rights obtained in the 60s and 70s made this evolution possible and explain it! This period saw a "sexual revolution", with young people increasingly demanding the democratization of the sexual act, and wanting to dissociate it from the act of procreation. 

This marks a change between the new generation and the older, more traditional one! 

 

In the Elle magazine article "Libération sexuelle: 75 ans de révolutions", Laura Boudoux explains that "the student demonstrations of May 1968 were accompanied by a wave of sexual freedom, and young people were calling for their bodies to be liberated and for women to be emancipated", which means that young people were calling for sex not just for the purpose of procreation, which means that a woman's body would not be reduced to the simple purpose of bearing children! 

 

In fact, the democratization of contraception and the decriminalization of abortion have enabled women to take control of their bodies, freeing them from the dictates of society that restrict them to traditional roles such as mother or wife.  Women are taking control of their bodies and therefore their future. 

More and more of them want to leave the family cocoon and enter working life. 

According to the first paragraphs of the article "the power of a suit" in "a Magazine" in 1980. The overall activity rate of women in the workplace has increased by 52%.

"The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes women's participation in the American workforce as a major factor in its growth between 1970 and 1980. Maeva Durand describes in "L'entrée massive des femmes dans le marché du travail depuis les années 1980 en Europe" that "since the 1980s, the share of women in the workforce has increased in all European Union countries".

According to the article "Women and Credit Through the Decades: The 1980s", "more than half of all baccalaureate degrees have been awarded to women". 


More and more women aspire to a career and professional recognition. Clothing  such as the powersuit, it is used to impose and demand respect for men at work. 

Indeed, although the power suit was uniquely used by men, certain designers such as Yves Saint-Laurent, Armani or Ralph Laurent are  reinventing it for women. The shoulders are more or less wide and the sizes more or less marked. The use of pads accentuates the imposing side and forms an X silhouette very popular at that time.   

The use of the powersuit by personalities such as Lady Diana, Nancy Reagan known or on TV with for example Mélanie Griffith in "Working Girls" allows democratizes the dress and the place of women in power in the public sphere.   


Tamara 

Fahion as a form of expression

The power suite is known as a garment of authority, confidence, and professionalism. Its evolution spans centuries, reflecting shifts in societal norms, gender roles, and cultural dynamics. From its beginnings as a male-dominated garment to its presentday status as an image of empowerment for all genders, the history of the power suit is a symbol of growth and social progress.

Origins:

The roots of the power suit can be traced back to the early modern period, where tailored clothing emerged as a marker of status and authority. In the 17th and 18th centuries, European high society men decked themselves out in elaborate suits made from luxurious fabrics, signaling their wealth and power. These early versions of the suit laid the foundation for its symbol as a garment of authority and professionalism.


 Charles(1675-1722), 4th Lord Cornwallis

Although, It wasn’t until the 19th century that the modern concept of the power suit began to take shape. With the rise of industrialization and the birth of corporate culture, men looked for attire that projected professionalism. The three-piece suit, known for its structured silhouette and tailored fit, became the standard for businessmen and professionals.









 19th century men’s suits

The first women’s Power Suits:

While the power suit initially was only for men, the 20th century saw a gradual shift to include women. The aftermath of World War II saw women entering the workforce more and more, fueling a need for attire that showed authority and professionalism. However, the early versions of women’s workwear often mirrored men’s fashion, with tailored suits and structured jackets.

It wasn’t until over half of the 20th century that designers began to reintimagine the power suit for women, incorporating elements of femininity and sophistication. In the 1960s and 1970s, designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel introduced women’s pantsuits, challenging traditional norms of femininity and paving the way for the modern power suit.











 

The Power Suit in the 1980s:

The 1980s marked an important moment in the history of the power suit, as it became a symbol for the era’s wealth, boldness and ambition. Grand silhouettes, padded shoulders, and exaggerated proportions, designers such as Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Thierry Mugler played key roles in popularizing the power suit, offering women stylish yet authoritative attire for on the work floorr.

The power suit in the 1980s became a cultural phenomenon, being seen in popular media and shaping perceptions of femininity and success. The influence the power suit had further solidifying its status as a symbol of female empowerment.

 

Imme

 

Androgyny and Authority: The Influence of 80s Icons on the Power Suit Revolution


Androgyny, a term used to describe a type of gender presentation that mixes masculinity and femininity, has appeared quite a lot in recent years, especially in the pronoun social movement. However, androgyny isn’t a word that has become trendy in just the past few decades, people have been experimenting with androgyny in the way they dress for a long time throughout history.


     The power suit, characterized by its masculine elements such as padded shoulders, double-breasted jackets, and muted colors, became a symbol of success and authority for women in the 80s. 

Annie Lennox, with her iconic orange buzz cut and suit attire, used her style to assert that women should not be objectified or treated as secondary. Grace Jones, known for her androgynous posture and striking features, pushed the boundaries of fashion and gender norms with her bold and avant-garde style. David Bowie, with his flamboyant style and unique personas, empowered individuals to defy traditional gender norms and express themselves freely.

The power suit was a testament to the societal changes of the 80s, reflecting the spirit of optimism and the bold style of those unafraid to be who they are. It was a celebration of individuality and a challenge to the traditional norms of gender and fashion.


Charles 

https://www.researchcatalogue.net/shared/86826f06f982dd8044207c1217d34478