by Paiten Paul

Created on: April 11, 2008

Is it a surprise the 80's are back? We saw bellbottoms, platform shoes and smiley faces rise from the dead in the 90's reminiscent of a simpler, more hairy time just two decades earlier. Though I wasn't exactly around in the 70's, I've noticed 1950's nostalgia reflected in much of the pop culture with Happy Days and Grease. So it isn't exactly anything new that each generation tends to emulate elements from the one before.

The 80's comeback shouldn't be news to anyone since its resurrection debuted back in 2001. Given fashion's tendency to constantly recycle itself, the only curious thing about this return is how soon it happened. In my opinion, the end of last century was marked by a shamelessly bland era. Plain white T shirts, jeans, vests, doc martins, cheap chokers, all as dull and uninspiring as the slacker who wore them, dominated a period marked appropriately by apathy and indifference. By the time that era was over, the 80's hadn't exactly been gone long enough for anyone to really miss it. But it was definitely time to hang up the flannel and try again. Now that everyone was done dressing like truckers, the demand had come for something completely different. And what time period could be better qualified to come to the rescue than the decade of excess?

It pretty much began with the music. What was embarrassing and horrible just a few years earlier had become retro and thus, hip. Forgotten anthems that urged the listener not to stop believin' or to wang chung tonight invaded the airways once more. Soon, such big hair nostalgia crept into fashion and it wasn't long until youngsters and hipsters alike began donning anything 80's style from old school reebok sneakers to jelly bracelets in order to perfectly compliment their fake vintage tees.

The 80's comeback hit an all time high, thanks to the mega popularity of 2004's Napolean Dynomite, which starred an awkward yet lovable underdog in oversized glasses and tapered acid washed jeans tucked appropriately into his boots. As the years wore on, so did the continuation of this fad resurrecting the likenesses of leggings, tapered jeans, oversized dress belts, bright earrings, and side ponytails. Teased hair Bill Cosby sweaters have yet to be seen.

Even celebrities who's talent seemed to be stuck in that time period are now having a second chance at popularity thanks to the revival of their beloved hay day. Mr T, Hulk Hogan, David Hasslehoff, and flavor flav, to name a few, are all profiting once again from their former glories.

As someone who's loved nearly all things 80's since, well, the 80's I'm all for this particular trend. Whether it's music, fashion, or pop culture, in about twenty year's time, it'll be cool again. But just as all fads, this one will in turn meet its end, again. Until then, though, it's anyone's guess what may be next: moustaches and mullets or scarier yet the 90s!

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