The '80s: A Tribute

Michael Jackson still had (his) nose, Ronald Reagan was President, and Bob Seger didn't look like Kenny Rogers; all was right in the universe. Yes, I am talking about the 80's. If I had the chance to promote any idea or message with unlimited resources, I would put on an event to promote appreciation for the 80's, arguably one of the most important decades to date. My 80's Festival would be a celebration of the three elements of 80's that I find the most captivating: music, movies, and styles.

Because I was born in September of 1989, I was only around for about four months of the 80's, but the decade has always been a source of fascination for me. This is a period that shaped my life. Until I was about six years old, both of my parents had mullets (granted, we did live in Idaho). I grew up with a die-hard Tiffany fan for a mother; when I got home from school she would be rocking out to I Think We're Alone Now while vacuuming the house. I had a Garfield phone until my little brother broke it. Even today, we drink out of the limited edition Star Wars glasses that my parents got from Burger King. I am a product of the eighties, and I would like to share my roots with the world.

To begin with, no 80's festival would be complete without musical performances from some of the decade's greatest artists. The music portion would be similar to a Farm-Aid event, just without the farmers. With artists like AC/DC, Bonnie Tyler, and Def Leppard, it is understandable that the 80's are most remembered for the music. After performances by Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and Journey, Blondie would conclude the music portion by singing Call Me: the perfect introduction for the host of the movie portion of the event and star of American Gigolo, Richard Gere.

Richard Gere would receive this honor because he is the epitome of the 80's movie star. His hits in the 80's also included Breathless, The Cotton Club, and my personal favorite, An Officer and a Gentleman.To commemorate another one of the great movies of the period, Rocky III, I would also organize a boxing match between Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa) and Mr. T (Clubber Lang). The "Brat Pack" would be sure to draw in a crowd of people looking to see some celebrities. And if Demi Moore brought along her husband, Ashton Kutcher, there would surely be a large group of younger people in attendance too. To wrap up the movie portion, there would be a screening of the film Flashdance, the film that changed pop culture forever and brought two major 80's trends to the mainstream: ripped up t-shirts and leg warmers.

Both of these trends would be more than appropriate for this event. As a whole, the fashion of the 80's was very versatile. Some of my favorite fashion icons of the time are Madonna, Lisa Bonet, and Joan Collins. Personally, my hair would be full of volume, styled with glittery mousse and curled bangs. I would wear an off the shoulder sweater, some tight acid-wash jeans, fingerless gloves, and jelly shoes.

The 80's: a decade that definitely deserves more attention. The music rocked harder, some of the best movies of all time were produced, and there was no such thing as too much eyeliner. It was the best of times.