Power Shoulders: Not just a Revived 80s Trend

Let's not forget why the power shoulder trend became so iconic. In the 80s women really began to demand respect and upward mobility in the workplace. They knew that they could do more than secretarial work, be office eye candy, and if given the opportunity, perform more competently than men. So BAM!, birth of the power suit, the signature feature being power shoulders (exaggerated shoulders typically by using shoulder pads). I like to think of of the power suit as a woman's version of broad shoulders. On men broad shoulders are considered attractive and indicative of power and strength, with the power suit women went after the same thing so that they could obtain power, strength, and leadership in the workplace. The power suit has been referred to as armor, and served to force others to take notice of a woman in a man's world. The power suit demonstrated confidence and self-assurance, it said "this woman is a force to be reckoned with." When wearing your power shoulder look remember that it's more than just fashion and reviving an oldie but goody, but bringing a decades old ideal back to life. What you're wearing, like many styles, has an actual history, and with that meaning. Samantha from Sex and the City wore power suits, and do you think its coincidental? I think not. Her character screams "woman to be reckoned with." Today power shoulders is considered a more daring look. A couple of people whose style and persona fit the mood of power shoulders are Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Rihanna especially has embraced this trend and tends to wear the very exaggerated power shoulder.

I don't think power suits should ever go out of style, just that the tailoring should have a modern feel, and the suit should by all means accentuate a woman's shape! There's nothing worse than a woman wearing a sack potato inspired suit or dress.

Sidebar: Every decade and culture has fashion pieces that served to indicate power, wealth, rank, or leadership (i.e. Elizabethan England's "ruff"). Read The Power Suit article for a bit more info and for fun check out Fashion-Era's 80s section.

FASHION INSPIRATION: 

Alexander Vauthier Fall/Winter 2009

His Fall/Winter 2009 collection overflows with the power shoulder. It's a truly awesome show; the line cohesion is some of the best I've ever seen. It's a truly inspiring and exciting show...poetry in motion. I am extremely excited for the Spring collection.

VIDEO OF THE SHOW

If you follow Rihanna's style you'll notice that she has worn several pieces from this collection during performances, in her videos, and just out and about.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?