Be warned – the Eighties are back. Lycra, puffball skirts and garish prints have returned to the catwalks, and interiors are following suit with shagpile carpets and furry phones. Love it or hate it, here are our top picks for this season’s brashest trend.
1. The ghost of fashion past
Time is a great healer, or so we thought. Just when we believed the style aberrations of the Eighties had been cast aside, long forgotten and forgiven, the trend pioneers felt the urge to revisit the bad taste era. Whether you condone the Eighties renaissance or not, this season’s new Autumn/Winter collections – both in fashion and the home – revisit the era. Interior ghosts such as sequinned cushions and neon tables like this shocking blue lacquered console from Heal's, have returned to haunt us.
2. Start slow
"A bit like Sleeping Beauty, they [the Eighties] have been roused from their fashion coma by the mwaah–mwaah air–kiss of style," says fashion writer Hilary Alexander. If you weren’t quite ready for the revival, take it slow and steady. Soft leather furnishings like the Compact sofa from Habitat and colourful tableware like these Folie Flashy wine glasses from Heal's, will give a savvy but subtle nod to the trend.
3. It's all about power
"Straight off the catwalk, the spirit of Eighties power dressing has hit the home this season”, says the latest M&S catalogue. “[It’s about] taking control of your decorative choices and making brave and confident style decisions". Show your home who's boss with statement accessories like the hot pink teardrop table lamp from Marks and Spencer.
4. Get textured
Back in the Eighties, it was a case of "anything goes" when it came to texture and scale; the more tactile and the more playful the better. Hairspray sold like hot cakes and velvet was the fabric du jour. This season's homeware collections mix and match silks, metallics, velvets, leathers and sequins. Contrast this Nabucco Velvet Teal Pouffe from Heal's with some metallic square vases from Debenhams.
5. Primary colours are in their prime
When fashion’s latest darling Michelle Obama wore primary colours on the campaign trail, the fashion pack took notice. Sure enough, blocks of reds, greens and blues filled the catwalk this season, and interiors were keen to join in. Top of our list is the Jasper Conran Bentwood chair in red from The Conran Shop. Bright and gutsy – this is Eighties gumption at its best.
6. Magic and sparkle
To confirm the Eighties renaissance, the catwalks of Balmain, Versace and Dolce and Gabbana featured lashings of super–sparkly sequins. This peacock cusion from Debenhams is catwalk–worthy and would look perfect scattered across a velvet sofa. For the ultimate texture clash, team with a faux fur throw.
7. Prints charming
Garish prints have been huge on the catwalk this season, with Mark Jacobs, Matthew Williamson and Gucci leading the pack. And now gaudy gorgeousness is hitting homes. If you’re feeling especially brave, go all out with a room covered in hot pink Neon Damask Wallpaper from Marks and Spencer. For more timid decorators, one statement wall will work just as well.
8. Follow the flock
Furniture designer and flocking specialist Johnny Egg's kitsch – and neon – retro range for Heal’s has garnered much positive press. Flocking creates a tactile coating giving a surreal and dramatic finish. Egg's new flocked indigo phone from Heal’s, an adaptation of the original 706 telephone, is vibrant and lively. We’ve fallen head over Heal’s.
9. Clashing fashion
Bright yellow vases at Debenhams
Introducing acid brights into your home is the interior equivalent of sporting neon high top trainers; it’s a fashion statement of confidence. Blinding yellows are a driving force behind Ben de Lisi's designs for Debenhams this season; "I always throw a spin on [a very natural palette] and for me that is bright such as red and this season acid yellow.” Bring some sun to your windowsills with these bright yellow vases (£10) from Debenhams.
10. We love lacquer
While Calvin Klein recently showed off his new silver tailoring, the home reacted to the shimmering revival by pushing reflective surfaces. We’ve gone potty for all things lacquer and this high gloss 4 door storage unit from Habitat is one of our favourites. Guaranteed to hog the limelight in any room.
