New Romanticism

New Romanticism was a subculture/movement of the 80s rooted in dramatic fashion that was flamboyant and colourful. It originated in London and Birmingham nightclubs in the latter half of the 70s, where it peaked in the early 80s (Approx. 1983). Some characteristics of the New Romantic style were: 

• Colourful facepaint that either partially covered the face, or fully covered the face

• Hats similar to ones pirates would wear

• Dramatic, colourful, makeup 

• Pirate-like jackets/vests

• Big, teased hair

• Golden jewelry

• Double breasted suit tops, often with patterns on the collar

• Lacey bits on clothes (Lace in general)

• Colourful hair

The fashion drew inspiration from the Glam-rock era of the 70s, and the Romantic movement of the late 1800s (This is where “New Romantic” originates from). Some notable New Romantics include:

• Boy George

• Spandau Ballet

• Duran Duran

• David Bowie (sort of, but not really)

• Adam Ant

• Visage

Some pictures of New Romantics