Vogue|Vintage: Rachel Roy 2009

The 80s era is synonymous with big hair, shoulder pads, and girls wanting to have fun. If we’d heeded Nancy Reagan’s warning call to “Just Say No”…to greed, corruption, and apathy, it is possible, not certain, that we may not be faced with picking up the pieces of a shattered economy…maybe.

vintage tunic dress--tko atlanta

During the 1980s, women’s mobility and social status continued to increase. More and more women in English-speaking nations dropped the “Missus” and began calling themselves by “Ms.” The roles of women in the workplace became more prominent and in most western countries, women decided to keep their maiden names after marriage…one could even call the 80s a boom or “dynasty” in women’s liberation.

The freedoms gained by the efforts of the women’s movement , began in the 60s, brought a new type of sensuality to women’s clothing…fabrics now molded, moved, and stretched along the curves of a woman’s body. As the fitness craze took flight, form-fitting dresses worn with leggings and booties were worn either as day or evening attire.
Rachel Roy’s Spring 09 collection with its detachable tulip skirts worn over tight-fitting pencil skirts, backless t-shirt dresses, body-hugging sheaths, and versatile jumpsuits encapsulates the spirit of the 80s party girl.

Roy seemed to take a philosophical tone with this collection employing the famous Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” as decorative stitching in French on one of her narrow sheath dresses. An apropos gesture, as we all struggle to erase past wrongs by finding ways to create positive change(locally and/or globally).

rachel roy--spring 09

Chic, elegant jumpsuits were also shown in the collection. The classic halter-neck jumpsuit of the Halston era was always in either black or white, paired with a metallic belt, chunky jewelry and (faux) fur coat, jumpsuits allowed for an easy glamour that could move seamlessly from day to night. Roy’s interpretation kept close to this spirit offering a casual sophistication perfect for any occassion.

1980s vintage black jumpsuit--nasty gal

rachel roy--spring 09