Who says that nothing good ever happens in February? In fact, yesterday, the last day of that most miserable of months, was the 25th anniversary of the release of the 80s classic Pretty In Pink.
Written by the late, great John Hughes, Pretty In Pink encapsulated the teen angst of a generation disenchanted with a decade rooted in greed.
Hughes was a champion of the teenage condition and like many of his other films (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off) Pretty In Pink explored a range of serious issues amidst the humour. Andie, the stylish heroine, must tend to her unemployed and emotionally fragile widower-dad, while struggling with being a bit of a social outcast and crushing on one of the rich kids.
Twenty-five years later, Hughes' classic is still a relevant commentary on teenage-hood, not to mention more fashionable than ever. Molly Ringwald's Andie is a stark contrast to the "cool" kids. While they don their Miami Vice whites, she dresses in thrift-store, grandma's closet, DIY duds, singling her out as an alternative free thinker. Today, of course, Andie's look is sought after and adapted to our modern sense of style. Over-sized 80s glasses? Frumpy vintage cardigan? Reworked prom dress? Andie would be the hippest hipster in highschool nowadays.
The epitome of fashion in this movie, though, is not the love-struck heroine or the over-attentive best friend - it's the always lovely Annie Potts as Iona the record shop owner. In my opinion, she completely steals the show. Talk about versatility. Iona's fashion jumps from 1930s vixen to 1980s punk with a bit of 50s and 60s in between. There is just a single scene in which you see her in "typical 80s fashion" and for my money that makes her the true fashion icon of this film!
If you're a child of the 80s, Pretty In Pink is probably so ingrained in your psyche that it is influencing your fashion fantasies even as we speak. If not, it's still impossible to avoid the lasting effects of Hughes' rag-tag trio of stylish 80s stars.
Mr. Hughes, you certainly knew how to make a good movie. If only you were around today, so you could tell me how to dress 25 years from now.
For the in vogue Andies, and the modern-day Duckies:
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| Pale Salmon Mohair Cardigan by Allen Company Inc. |
Andie would have loved this warm and cozy cardi.
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| Satin and Lace Dress by Upscale Vintage |
This looks like Andie's reworked prom dress in reverse. Complete with classic 80s lace!
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| Dear Granny Ankle Boots by Electric Warriors |
Those boots that Andie wears throughout the film are so badass, but I think these are even better.
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| Chocolate Bliss Hat by Prance and Swagger |
A chocolatey brown version of Andie's black hat. I especially love the vintage pin adorning the side!
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| Into the Plaid-lands Boyfriend Jacket by Vintage Fashion Retro |
Ok, the jacket is great, but how perfect is it paired with that colourful sweater? This is Duckie style for certain.
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| Reflective Black Sunglasses by Max and Chichi |
To really top off the Duckie look, you've got to get your hands on some roundies like these.
For more on Pretty In Pink:
