Pauline Trigere Suit - 1983

At an estate sale over the weekend, I picked up a big pile of Town & Country magazines from the 1980s.  While not focused exclusively on fashion, Town & Country is full of advertisements for luxury goods including loads of high end designer clothing and jewelry.  I'll be bringing you lots of those images over the next several months.

This stunning suit by Pauline Trigere was featured in a full page ad for the Martha luxury boutiques in 1983.  It looks like the sawtooth trim on the jacket is likely black suede and I imagine it adorns wool crepe in a jewel tone, likely red, emerald or cobalt blue.  The suit is paired with a black fox fur hat and stole and black gloves.  This look was the height of American high fashion at the time.

Weekend Eye Candy - Yves St. Laurent Wedding Gown, 1983

Our second June bride wears a slim lace sheath overlaid with layers of tiered white tulle.  Pink satin bows adorn the neckline and waist.  Yves St. Laurent, 1983.  The photographer has captured the ethereal nature of the tulle by the use of a back light to great effect.

Photo by Terence Donovan

My Fascination Continues

Last week, I showed you some images of quirky fashion from 1984 that intrigued me. Today, my fascination continues with a look at garments from 1983. I'm starting to see a common theme: unusual shapes, combinations of subtle patterns and textures, and neutral colors. Where will this take me? And where can I find clothes like this today? My search begins.

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Issey Miyake

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Dorothee Bis

Weekend Eye Candy - Yves St. Laurent, 1983

A silver beaded jacket worn over a silk mousseline blouse and gray flannel pants, all by Yves St. Laurent, 1983.

Weekend Eye Candy - Roberto Capucci 1983

More Roberto Capucci, this time from 1983. Black velvet bodice with black silk skirt. Large "wheels" with colored bands are attached to the skirt.

What Not to Give

Over the years, I'm sure you've all been given a holiday gift by a loved one that inspired the thought, "What were they thinking?". If you're like me, you smiled politely, thanked the giver, and buried the offending item deep in a closet. As a public service, I must warn you - these goodies from a 1983 holiday mail order catalog are still hiding in closets, waiting to be unearthed during an estate sale. Be afraid....be very afraid.

Denim warm-up suit with red trim and a big heart and lightening bolt applique on the chest. Must be worn with red shoes.

Need something a bit more subtle to wear with those red shoes? How about this green sweatshirt and pants trimmed with red and green plaid ribbon ruffles?

Every gal wants an acrylic lounging robe with big red mitten pockets pointing directly at her um....er......you know. Doesn't she?

If your guy is still wearing a mullet, maybe you'll want to get your hands on one of these chicken ski caps as revenge.

Or his very own velour warm-up suit with racing stripes.

26 years later, we know better, but here is the ultimate faux-pas in holiday gifts. Send your signature and Social Security number, and this company would print it on a beach towel. Get your identity stolen while you lounge by the pool!