THE BOYFRIEND’S BACK!

Fashion designers are paying homage to the ‘80s, celebrating that era of big-shouldered, brightly-coloured fashions. One of the most wearable trends of the ‘80s to reappear on this season’s fashion scene is the boxy “boyfriend jacket” worn with leggings. Tonic – A Shop for Women brings this hot fashion trend to Saskatoon, as worn by Chelsey Gruza. The fashion formula begins with a multi-coloured plaid tunic topped by a charcoal boyfriend blazer by Vero Moda. A studded leather belt cinches the jacket to create an hourglass silhouette. Versatile charcoal leggings complete the trend. Wear all the pieces together to achieve this retro-chic look, or separately to extend your wardrobe. Chelsey turns up the ‘wow’ with ruffle shoes by Mogil and a bright red tote bag by Misseo Girl, all from Tonic, located at 122 Second Avenue North.

EDGY GLAMOUR

Fashion statements in the ’80s were big and bold, and Kajoo Kamal, owner of Klassique Designs in Scotia Centre is excited to see that sentiment come back into vogue. The ’80s influence can be seen in these glamorous looks worn by Alixe and Taylor Dick, for Klassique. Alixe (left) wears a dramatic black cape with leather tie belt from Mallia Fashions of Toronto, over a one-piece winter white dress from Citrine. Taylor shows off the new para-military style jacket from Mallia Fashions, notable for its bold shoulders and body-flattering cut. She teams the jacket with the hot new legging-style pant from Joseph Ribkoff of Montreal, all from Klassique in Scotia Centre. (Photo: Hamilton PhotoGraphics)

From sophisticated suits with padded shoulders and peplum waists to disco diva touches of metallic lamé and glittering sequins, everything ‘80s is back again.

Fashion designers are going retro, revamping the styles that emerged from the era of MTV, Footloose and Flashdance. These were the days of big hair and even bigger shoulder pads, and when leggings, legwarmers and shoulder-slouched sweaters reigned supreme.

It’s a return to that era but it’s modified,” says Kajoo Kamal of Klassique Designs. “It’s cleaner, it’s more modern and the fabrics are so much better. Everything has a little bit of movement to it.”

The owner of the Scotia Centre clothing boutique is delighted with the trend – a time when fashion made a big statement.

I loved the looks then. They had that little bit of edgy glamour to them. You could really show your personality and style,” says Kamal. “People with a lot of individuality have more opportunity to express themselves with this type of fashion now than what we’ve had for many years.”

Kamal says the return of the shoulder pad – which is subtler than the ‘80s variations – spells good news for women.

It is a more flattering look and it creates some nice balance. For some, it takes the focus off the bosom; for others it can take the focus off the hips. And everyone’s waist looks smaller,” she says.

“Generally, the garment will hang better when you have the shoulder pads, especially in a knit.”

Power suits are also making a comeback.

“Women need to be wearing suits again,” says Kamal. “There are pant suits, but there’s also a lot of skirt suits and dress suits, with very, very strong jackets.”

Laura Dutka of Paramount Boutique on Second Avenue says tunics and leggings are definitely strong for fall and winter, a trend that will carry into the spring.

“That is the biggest look coming forward,” she says. It’s big and flowy across the top, and skinny on the bottom.”

That look carries into the popular ‘boyfriend jacket’, which is big, roomy and cut to look like it’s on loan from a man. The oversized boyfriend shirt, particularly in flannel and plaid, is also popular, and both can be paired with leggings or textured tights.

The ‘80s style is making its mark when it comes to accessories, with big, chunky necklaces one of the must-haves this season, says Chelsey Gruza of Tonic –A Shop for Women on Second Avenue.

“They’re statement pieces, and it’s really big for fall,” she says. “It’s either studded or gold, and there’s also a mixing of metallics to add a punch of colour.”

She says leather, chains and belts are showing strong as are pieces in leopard prints and lace, particularly in leggings.

For colour, look for purples, charcoals, reds and metallics. Colourful neons, royal blue and hot pink are also strong.

Fabrics with shine are a big trend as well.

It’s all on daytime clothing, not just for evening,” says Kamal.

She says the ‘80s influence offers something for everyone this season.

I find it’s more exciting and although it’s not as feminine, when you think about Saskatchewan and our climate, it is the best look for our fall and winter season It’s sharp, it’s warm, it looks good with boots and you can put your tights back on.

“The majority of women are really going to enjoy it. With all this leather and colour and shine, everyone can put something on that’s beautiful.” •