160 IRISH TATLER SEPTEMBER 2015

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Looking back to power dressing on the catwalks, by Suzanne Murphy.

“The term ‘power dressing’ emerged as women were becoming ingratiated into business and political spheres”

THE NEW

Ever since Mlle Chanel unveiled her iconic tweed suit in the 1920s, tailored silhouettes have been a consistent feature

of the catwalk. Fast-forward to the seventies and eighties and the term ‘power dressing’ emerged as women were becoming ingratiated into business and political spheres. Early suits tended to come in muted shades with blazers designed to hide bosoms and boasted extreme shoulder pads, tailored skirts or trousers (think Margaret Thatcher – the original power dresser). Even

though power dressing initially incorporated tailoring to make a woman’s figure appear more masculine, the trend evolved to incorporate silhouettes that emphasised style, comfort and trends. As evidenced by the cerise pink number from the Yves Saint Laurent 1985 catwalk collection (pictured), by the eighties power dressing was no longer exclusive to the professional woman. From Michelle Obama to Anna Wintour and Kate Middleton, power dressing icons continue to dazzle proving that commanding dressing for women will always be in style.

POWERGENERATION

1992

FLASHBACK TO...

1987

JIL SAND

ERJIL SAND

ER

JASON

WU

FEND

I

BLUG

IRL

BYBLOS

PRADA

DKN

Y

BRAGAN

ZA

Ankle boot (€79.95) @ Zara

Colour block caddy dress (€1,190) by

Marni @ Marni.com

Coat (€880) by McQueen @ Brown Thomas

Python tote (€2,100) by Victoria Beckham @

Net-a-porter.com

1985

BLUG

IRL

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