Present day fashion icons that channel the 40s through to the 80s

Fashion and looks are always changing, no matter what new thing is being invented, who is walking on the moon or what country was going to war that week; fashion is always moving forward. Always looking for the new thing, the new trend, the new look. If you don’t believe us, think about the fact that we don’t wear Tudor style, tight corsets or big dresses on a daily basis anymore. Even though we kind of miss that, but don’t worry, you always have weddings and proms…

While fashion moves on, it can often leave its mark on a generation and define a time in our society. For example, short flapper dresses in the 20s symbolised a change from the long conservative dresses in the Victorian era. In another period, 60s hippy fashion, symbolised the love and peace movement that dominated the second half of the decade, while afros, for many, defined liberation and freedom in the 70s.

Fashion consistently illustrates our lives and our society. And even years after fashion has shifted on to a new thing, it can always manage to inspire many who still channel that old vintage look, in a present day setting. Some women love that certain time or period so much, to the point that it even defines their entire look and in some cases their career. We at The Upcoming have noticed this greatly and seen that a special handful of stylish icons do this. They have embodied a significant period, channelled it and made it their own.

40s and 50s – Dita Von Teese

This sexy lady definitely loves all things vintage, sparkly and classic, and what better period defines those three things than the 40s and 50s? Dita has channelled the period so much so that she has made a modelling, fashion and burlesque career out of it, as well as a sensational style to match. Dita defines the 40s and 50s perfectly; her look is glamorous and immaculate as she constantly looks like she’s from another time or lives in another era.

60s – Alexa Chung

It’s our own 21^st century, Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick all in one and we love it. The stylish TV presenter loves the 60s and maintains that is the root of her style. Alexa definitely has a connection to the period as she often says: “I’m very focused on the 60s and its music scene. The 60s speak to me.” We can certainly see why as timeless, 60s items such as ballet flats, school girl petticoats and little shift dresses are all staples for the British IT girl’s look.

70s – Florence Welch

Many say that the 70s fashion is all about loud prints, colour and patterns and no one embodies this notion better than Florence Welch. The Florence and the Machine singer knows how to pop in 70s chic fashion.

80s – Rihanna

Rihanna is bringing the 80s back. She loves block colours and though the We Found Love singer is known on Instagram for her ever-changing bikini wardrobe, Rihanna definitely has a strong bond to the 80s. It even inspired her collection for River Island as you can certainly see elements of the 80s throughout, with bold structured dresses, basketball jersey and big cold chains. Overall she has fun with her look, which is exactly what the 80s were all about.

You definitely know when a period has left its mark, when it’s being remembered and emulated years later.

Flavie Belanco
Photo: Courtesy of Longchamp