Paris wears Max Mara dress, H&M top, Christian Louboutin heels, Swarovski earrings, David Jones stockings.

The New Eighties

The unapologetic maximalism of the ‘80s is back. This time it’s more sophisticated – but it’s just as fun.

There’s something in the air this year – Cher is releasing a new album, the Madonna biopic starring Julia Garner is set to start filming, and Debbie Harry is shooting campaigns with Gucci. Fashion is getting in on the action, with brands like Saint Laurent, Prada, and Valentino veering towards that decade’s bold brashness and joy-making sensibility. Lest you fear a return of taffeta-style skirts and fluorescent spandex, this iteration is chic and effortless.

Think: statement shoulder blouses at Rebecca Vallance, finished in coffee-coloured silk and tucked into tailored trousers. Cinched at-the-waist suiting at Acne, finished in soft wool and refined houndstooth (add a silk shirt and contrasting mini skirt for maximum glamour). Bolder ‘after dark’ silhouettes at Aje – like their ‘Clara’ Maxi Dress featuring puff sleeves finished with playful accents.

Bec Bridge
Acne

Acne | Suit Jacket $2,450,
Trousers $1,300

Aje

Aje | $649

This crocodile-finish lipstick red stiletto by Jo Mercer is the perfect intro-point to the trend. They speak to a new mood in accessories, best described as: go big or go home. Swarovski’s new creative director Giovanna Englebert is a master of OTT jewellery: reach for the brand’s cascading jewel-toned necklaces and rock-sized cocktail rings. At Sportsgirl satin bows and at Sheike statement earrings are the perfect touch of eighties glam – best paired with a minimal, neutral look, like a mid-length black ribbed dress or denim and a structured blazer.

Jo Mercer

Jo Mercer | $229.95

Swarovski

Swarovski | Collection from $189

Sportsgirl

Sportsgirl | $14.95

Sheike

Sheike | $39.99

When it comes to beauty, embrace an understated curl with your Dyson Airwrap (just add a slight, chic zhush and a decent spritz of holding spray). Or, for special occasions, go all-out and book yourself a blow-wave at Hairhouse. Finish it off with clean, glossy skin, a subtle hint of blush, and a statement eye, using this metallic matte palette by Pat McGrath Labs, available at Sephora.

Dyson

Dyson | $999

Hairhouse

Hairhouse | $31.96

Sephora

Sephora | $111

Sportsgirl

Sportsgirl | $13.95

AW26 Fashion Guides

Wild Things

Wild Things: Embrace the maximalism of animal prints

That's All

That's All: 28 new-season pieces to channel The Devil Wears Prada

Beauty

More is More: Chadstone’s autumn beauty edit

Accessories

Four Accessories Rules: From elevated flats to statement glasses

FOR MORE AW26 FASHION NEWS FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS