Introduction to the New Romantic Style
The 1980s was a decade defined by its music, fashion, and youth culture. One such movement that rose to prominence during this time was the New Romantic style. This subculture was characterized by its glamorous and androgynous appearance, its connection to New Wave and synth-pop music, and its fascination with new media for publication. The New Romantic style marked a clear departure from the youth culture that dominated the 1970s. This article will explore the various facets of the New Romantic style, its impact on youth culture, and how it can be incorporated into modern-day home decor and design.Glamorous and Androgynous Appearance
The New Romantics were known for their extravagant and flamboyant fashion choices. Both men and women embraced a gender-bending aesthetic, with men sporting frilly shirts, eyeliner, and flamboyant hairstyles, while women adopted a more masculine style with sharp suits and short haircuts. The New Romantic style was all about being bold and daring with fashion choices. Key elements of the style included oversized shoulder pads, velvet, lace, leather, and copious amounts of jewelry. To incorporate the glamorous and androgynous New Romantic style into home decor, consider incorporating rich textures such as velvet cushions, statement chandeliers, and ornate mirrors. You can also use statement pieces such as oversized paintings or sculptures to add grandeur to a room.- Rich textures such as velvet cushions and ornate rugs
- Statement chandeliers and lamps
- Oversized paintings and sculptures
Music and Cultural Connection to New Wave and Synth-pop
The New Romantic style was closely associated with the New Wave and synth-pop music of the 1980s. Bands such as Spandau Ballet, Duran Duran, and Visage all had a significant influence on the New Romantic subculture. In particular, the movement was shaped by the music of David Bowie and Roxy Music, who were both influential in breaking down gender norms in fashion and music. The connection between music and the New Romantic style can be seen in the way that the movement celebrated individuality and self-expression. This is why incorporating music elements into your home decor can help to capture the New Romantic style. Consider adding vinyl records to a room for a vintage touch or displaying concert posters on a feature wall.New Media and its Impact on the New Romantic Movement
The rise of new media in the 1980s had a significant impact on the New Romantic movement. The subculture was shaped by the emergence of magazines such as The Face and i-D, which showcased the fashion and style of the movement to a wider audience. This helped to spread the popularity of the New Romantic style beyond just music and youth culture. To incorporate new media into your home decor and design, consider adding magazine racks to display your favorite publications or using newspaper print wallpaper for an eclectic and quirky look.Departure from Youth Culture of the 1970s
The New Romantic style was a departure from the youth culture that dominated the 1970s. Whereas the 70s was known for its laid back looks and bohemian vibes, the New Romantic style was all about glamour, sophistication, and individuality. The movement embraced an avant-garde aesthetic that was like nothing that had come before it. To capture the departure from the 1970s, consider incorporating bold and eclectic design elements into your home decor. Think metallic accents, statement furniture, and retro wallpaper.Legacy and Impact of the New Romantic Style
The impact of the New Romantic style can still be seen in modern-day fashion and music. Elements of the movement have been embraced by contemporary designers and musicians, with many citing the New Romantics as a major influence. By incorporating elements of the New Romantic style into your home decor and design, you can pay homage to a subculture that helped to shape the 1980s and beyond. The New Romantic style was all about expressing the individual, so don’t be afraid to mix and match different design elements to create a space that reflects your unique personality.How to Incorporate New Romantic Style into Home Decor and Design
To incorporate the New Romantic style into your home decor and design, consider the following tips:- Use bold and eclectic design elements such as metallic accents, statement furniture, and retro wallpaper
- Add rich textures such as velvet cushions, ornate rugs, and statement chandeliers
- Showcase your favorite magazines and publications with magazine racks
- Embrace the gender-bending aesthetic with both masculine and feminine accents
- Incorporate music elements such as vinyl records and concert posters