How giant 80s-style shoulder pads are making fashion comeback thanks to stars such as Cate Blanchett
GIANT 1980s-style shoulder pads are making a comeback in women’s fashion, say experts.
Cate Blanchett is among celebs to adopt the power look popularised by Joan Collins as Alexis Colby in US soap Dynasty.
The Aussie star, 53, had them on at an Oscars party, as did Madonna, 64, in a recent Instagram clip.
Posh Spice, 48, Beyoncé, 41, and Paris Hilton, 42, have also dabbled of late and many were seen at recent Paris fashion shows.
Among fashion houses stocking up on dresses and blouses with shoulder pads are Zara, Saint Laurent Paris and Balenciaga.
The surge in popularity was confirmed by Harriet Walker, fashion editor of The Times, who said that power padding was returning.
She wrote: “Fashion’s pushiest and most neo-liberal trend looks set for a revival.
“Let’s call it a trickle-down effect from the Paris shows. There, broad shoulders and plenty of padding were the dominant look of this season.”
Fashion analyst and personal shopper Gina Rogers said: “Shoulder pads are always lingering in the background — it just takes a few fashion houses and celebrities to get the ball rolling, and ‘Bang’, we’re back in full 80s mode.
“I love the sense of power that shoulder pads give you. People step out of your way when they see you coming.”
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The pads emerged in 1877 as protection for American footballers.
Women first wore them in the 1930s, star Joan Crawford favouring the look.
They stormed back in the 1980s with Princess Di and Margaret Thatcher, musicians Annie Lennox, 68, and Grace Jones, 74, and in US soaps and films such as Working Girl.