80s shoulder pads are back for spring/summer 2017
Get ready to cover up with a radically structured silhouette
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Your support makes all the difference.An era dedicated to stylised excesses and serious crimes against fashion, designers have developed a soft spot for the 80s of late.
But, there’s one trend that has really thrust their newfound fascination into high-gear: shoulder pads.
A look synonymous with the decade, we haven’t been privy to more dramatic shoulders since the likes of Dynasty and Heathers hit out screens; until now that is.
Needless to say, the most dominant reinvention of the trend came from Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga who has been pushing the oversized silhouette for some seasons.
Not content with usual padding, he took proportions to a new level by characterising strong shoulders with whalebone rod inserted across the shoulders of trench coats and boxy jackets.
Similarly, Jacquemus opted for false shoulders padded to the extreme with pulled-off-the-shoulder necklines and cinched in waists to boot.
More relaxed versions of the trend were also spotted at Chanel with a metallic power suit recently donned by supermodel Cara Delevigne at the Met Gala and at Saint Laurent where tuxedo jackets and gold lame dresses came bolstered with boxy shoulders.
A divisive topic for sure, those who witnessed the trend first time round will be understandably cautious but trust us, big shoulders can offer an effortlessly elegant touch to your look.
Ease yourself in by choosing between structured blazers, shirts and coats with imposing shoulder silhouettes and, when you’re ready, add a waist defining belt to really up the ante.
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