The New Romantics were a fashion movement
that peaked in the United Kingdom during the early 1980s. It was often
associated with new wave music scene that had become popular at that time, as
the two often intertwined. In its early stages the movement was known by a
large number of names, including "new dandies", "romantic
rebels", "peacock punk", "the now crowd", "the
futurists", "the cult with no name" and eventually as the
"Blitz Kids". As the scene moved beyond a single club the press
settled on the name New Romantics, which main goal was self-expression and to
be unique, cool and noticed.
The genesis of the look took place largely through the nightclub Billy’s
in Dean Street, London, which ran Bowie and Roxy Music nights in the late
1970s. Teens & twentysomethings at the time were becoming disillusioned
with punk rock, thinking it had lost it’s original appeal and they had nothing
to identify with. Bowie and Roxy Music quickly became these ‘New Romantic’
idols. In 1979, the growing popularity of the club forced organizers Steve
Strange (Visage) and DJ Rusty Egan to relocate to a larger venue in Great Queen
Street called the Blitz, which was also a wine bar.
The Blitz Club quickly became known for
the colourful and flamboyant fashions of its patrons aka Blitz Kids, which
greatly contrasted with the ripped/offensive t-shirts and jeans associated with
the punk movement of the time. Both sexes often dressed in counter-sexual or
androgynous clothing and the guys thought nothing of wearing eyeliner, eyeshadow
and lipstick. Many wore frilly fops shirts in the style of the English Romantic
period, or exaggerated versions of upscale fashion and grooming which drew
influence from sources such as glam fashions of the 1970s, science fiction
films as well as the golden age of Hollywood.
Musically, New Romantics spawned many bands, tied into heavily synthesized rythms. Blitz owners Steve Strange
and Rusty Egan joined Billy Currie and Midge Ure of Ulltravox to form Visage.
Boy George and Marilyn worked in the cloakroom of The Blitz; George obviously formed
Culture Club while Marilyn became a well known and loved solo artist. As with
most things, the movement moved out from London to other regions and soon New
Romantics popped up in other places.
It’s a shame that the New Romantics were
so short lived. I wish I could have lived in the late 70's/early 80's, or
time-encapsulate myself back then, when eyeliner, frilly shirts and
questionable haircuts ruled the world!
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