Sunday, November 04, 2007

Trend in the Spotlight: Shoulder Structure

An influx of oversize tees and neon colours during 2007 may have set tongues waggling of an 80s revival, but shoulder pads and high gloss are the real deal and show that the decade of power will still be evident in 2008.
I'm almost hesitant to call this a "trend", because trends are mostly always flash in the pan looks that are overdone and tired out due to being worn by the masses. In no way do I see this happening to shoulder structure; sure, they're likely to become a main fixture on Facehunter, and in clubs across Europe but not in shopping centres across the country.
But this is something to love, the fact that those who are daring and adventurous with fashion can have fun without clones scrubbing away the novelty.


Strong juttings shoulders graced the runways at Maison Martin Margiela in futuristic form, whereas at Balenciaga the shoulders were structured but also round and volumous and John Galliano veered back in the direction of the 1940s with feminine war herione flicks and homages to Marlene Dietch at Christian Dior. Should-be-spokesperson for shoulder pads is style bitch Roisin Murphy, who whilst promoting her new album has been wearing as much structure to her shoulders as Ashley Olsen wears fur. Cate Blanchett came over all 1940s on the front row of the Armani Prive show.

The amazing Maison Martin Margiela, is one of the most fashion forward people in fashion right now, undoubtedly someone to watch, and it seems is a bit of a repeat offender too. Shoulder pads have made a strong appearance in his past collections too.

At Maison Martin Margiela:

Despite Murphy working both shoulder pads and neons to a tee, I still hold the opinion that this look works best with a simple colour palette of blacks, strong dark greys and whites. Instead of colour, mix it up with different textures. Anything glossy or with a bit of a shine is a must.

21 comments:

A said...

cate looks stunning there... she looks stunning everywhere. and in everything. I have a feeling she'd be able to pull of the structured shoulders with a little more ease than me

Michelle said...

I wonder whether the look will trickle down to the high street (or has it already?) For shoulder pads to wrok the cut of the clothing really needs to be perfect. Cate and Roisin both wears it beautifully as usual..

A said...

sorry about the sudden name changing, i just realised that if the silly gossip girl rip-off were to read my blog then she would know who i was, therefore i might become a subject of her unpleasant social game, which is precisely what i don't want. grrrr it makes me angry to know that i know her...

ilovesecondhandsmoke said...

Oh my gosh, why thank you. I've visited your blog before and my, has it evolved or what!

Thanks the for comment. I'm in the busiest time of my life yet all of a sudden, I feel like posting regularly again.

Ella Gregory said...

Oooo nice post MK
I have a blazer from H&M which has shoulder pads in
I didn't even notice at first they are that subtle
I love how Samantha in SATC always has strong shoulders (but in a feminine way, not a jessica biel way)

And I know what you mean about how would they meet, maybe she is a secret cycling fan? He did date Sheryl Crow as well which is random too

I love Jake as well, and the cooking made me forget the fact he has a really ugly beard
My Mum has the biggest crush on him (to the point she has a framed pictutre of him on her fridge) she wanted me to marry him so, i quote,:
'I can look at him whenever I want too.'
I think it is one of the strangest things she has ever said to me

Anyway speak soon
Ash
x x x x

Q said...

Shoulder pads are only as charismatic as the wearer. And those dead-eyed models aren't doing it for me. =( Bring back the glamazons!!

Rebecca, A Clothes Horse said...

I remember seeing a boy on Facehunter wearing a footballer's shoulder pads (I think) under his regular outfit, giving him enormous shoulders--looks like he was ahead of his time.
Shoulder pads to me deinitely demand power and attention.

A. said...

OMG FAVOURITE POST!

you featured my style icon of the moment : ROISIN! love her. isnt she too fab?!

im obsessed.

& so flattered that im added to your best reads list for november :] though i dont think im worthy enough of the title.

ive got some serious posting to do ;]

kisses Xx a.

Style Spot said...

Cate looks like a million dollars! Love the combination with shoulderpads and an extremely deep cleavage. It just oozes sexiness, but at the same time it screams "don't you dare mess with me" Fabulous post darling!

And in case you didn't notice..I'm back!! Hopefully here to stay ;P everything is just so hectic and there is so much to do all the time..but I'm so glad to see that you are still giving your blog love and attention ;) Rock on sweetie..you know you do it so well!

Jackie said...

i strongly DETEST shoulder pads. But if their understated and look nice, then I'm all for them. lol

Bella said...

I like the idea of strong but not tooo over done shoulders...very intense power business women...i have a sweater from the 80's my mom gave me and it had should pads...for some reason i laughed @ that for a while lol

Andrea Martínez Maugard said...

Hey! You have been choose as one of my Thinking Blogger Award winners! Please read in my blog about this :)

Lana said...

Roisin can handle it, and I think people with lots of convidence do too. But I'm in a getting-used to phase about this one..

Soul Tanggg said...

Even Calvin Klein did the structured shoulders this season.

I don't mind the look.
It's a nice nod to the 80's.

Soul Tanggg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
WendyB said...

Funny..around Labor Day I started getting out all my old suit jackets. Since I didn't keep the ones from WAY back, I don't really have any extreme shoulder pads, but they do have some structure. I felt like I needed to see a tailored look after too many seasons of limp dresses.

Othalia said...

Cate rocks the look and loks great...it was about time shoulder pads would make thier way...soon it will be on every cardigan in forever 21...oh la la

riz said...

Cate somehow pulls off the most ideiosyncratic of trends! A Wonder! I still can't decide if this shoulder thing is bad 80s revivalism in some instances...It is an avant garde direction though, which I like...

Eva. said...

.I have myself in a pic on my blog wearing a blazer that has a bit of padding but nothing compared with those from all the fashion shows..
btw love your blog and love the post.don't know how you made it look like this but im loving it.mind if i link you?

Pretty Guide of Art said...

god, i love margiela
well, see you.
take care and check out my blog:
http://prettyguideofart.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

*sheepishly removes shoulder pads from bra*