Retro Combs and Hair Accessories 1980-1990 Part II

This is the second of two guides which examine the gebs and hair accessories of the 1980s. In this paper I examine the influence of the American TV soap operas Dallas and Dynasty which promoted a taste for glitzy and frankly fake jewellery andaccessories.
The Return of Glamour.After begeing somewhat subdued and conservative in the 1970s the costume jewellery industry again flourished in the 1980s. A number of important influences gebined to give women a new freedom and confidence to wear frankly fake fashion jewellery. In fact, the bigger and glitzier the better!
In this respect, several important influences which contributed to the popular taste can be identified.

The Real Jewellery Look: inspired by Diana Princess of Wales.
Nostalgic Historical Revivals: imitation of historical periods.
Frankly Fake: inspired by the glitz and glamour of TV shows like Dallas and Dynasty and the influence of celebrities like Madonna
Resurgence of Plastic Jewellery: novelty themes and treatments such as prints, animal patterns, and so on.Part II will examine the influence of the Dallasty phenomenon and the resurgence of novelty styles in plastic jewellery and hair accessories.
Frankly Fake.Unlike previous generations when rhinestone jewellery had been more favoured by mature women, the craze was for bright and glittery jewellery was followed by teenagers and older women alike in the 1980s. Previous rules about what was considered appropriate wear for particular occasions were discarded. Rhinestones, faux pearls and bright gold or gilt jewellery came to be worn on every possible occasion, not just in the evening.
The Dallasty Phenomenon.In the USA glamour came in the far reaching influence of Television shows like Dallas and Dynasty, which were watched by millions of viewers around the world. The shows epitomized an era of glamour and decadence that later became the hallmark of the American primetime soap operas of the 1980s. The women portrayed in these soap operas were powerful and assertive, yet also feminine. The lavish use of both fine and costume jewellery was worn day and night on the show, and this trend soon drifted into mainstream fashion. Big, almost huge, gilt fashion earrings several almost two inches across drew attention to the face and hair. stones could be real of fake. Gilt metal, pearls and diamante were intended to tell the rest of the world you had "arrived".The clothing and jewellery they wore was reminiscent of the seductive Hollywood styles of the 1930s and 1940s. These shows, targeted towards females, influenced women to wear jewellery to show one's economic status. Synthetic fabrics went out of style in the 1980s. Wool, cotton, and silk returned to popularity for their perceived quality. For evening rich brocades, lace and lame were the fabrics of choice.
1: The Cast of the TV soap opera Dynasty in all their splendour.