"Flashdance". I have yet to see the film, but I know the fashion. Worn-out sweats that hung sexily off the shoulder, holey jeans, black leotards and leg-warmers that were pulled over the heel. It is the perfect depiction of the aerobics-obsessed '80s.
"In the movie Flashdance released in 1983, Jennifer Beals stars as Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel-mill welder by day, and bar dancer by night. Harboring dreams of a career in ballet, she is given financial support in this endeavor by her boss Nick Hurley and moral support by demanding but big-hearted instructor Hanna Long. The film's signature scene is, of course, Alex's water-drenched dance audition, largely performed in long shot by her dance double Marine Jahan. Essentially an old-fashioned backstage yarn, Flashdance was given a contemporary spin by its pulsating, musical score featuring the Oscar-winning Best Song, Flashdance...What a Feeling." -Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In the '70s the fashion was characterized by fitted tops and loose bottoms, but this trend reversed in the succeeding decade with the populace wearing looser shirts and tops, and fitted pants. Flashdance showcased this trend, making ripped sweatshirts, leggings and legwarmers popular among the public. This emergence of the Dance wear trend can be said to express a certain rebellion from the previous decade, turning the opposite direction when it came to fashion, but it still has traces of the laid back, relaxed style that the '70s possess. The trend widened the term casual wear to include Dance wear that is no longer restricted to the gyms and dance studios. Even though this '80s trend is a reversal of the '70s, it is still a continuation of the emancipation from restricting and more formal silhouettes of the '50s.
This Dance wear trend was a huge hit in the '80s and continues to make waves in the twenty-first century. In fact the past year, 2009, marked the return of the '80s.
One of the many designers to jump on the Dance wear bandwagon last season was the ever imaginative Marc Jacobs.
For his Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear Collection, the Dance wear trend was apparent.
The gray top was made to resemble the famous sweatshirt off-the-shoulder look, made more elegant by the subtle armhole trims and printed silk scarf.
The printed leggings match the scarf and are embellished with black rhinestones.
The trick was bringing in luxury in terms of subtle details and expensive fabrics (knit and silk) into an otherwise casual, unfussy trend. And with the fusion of subtle sophistication and casual, the result is indeed very appealing.
It's certainly funny that Flash dance, despite not receiving critical acclaim as a movie, has influenced so many aspects, from casual clothing to famous designers in the fashion world. And the next time we slip on our favorite pair of leggings or wear our baggy off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, may it be designed by Marc Jacobs or not, we know for sure which movie to thank for bringing Dance wear into the forefront of mainstream fashion.
-May Daquil
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