Power Dressing in the 80s: a trend that left its mark on fashion history

At 17H10, power dressing is a huge source of inspiration for our creative teams. Power dressing is first and foremost a style of clothing designed to demonstrate authority, competence, boldness and confidence, particularly in professional business environments. It's also a fashion trend that we reinvent with modernity at 17H10.

If the 1970s marked the birth of power dressing, the 1980s was the decade when this style became a real trend. The style changed, as did the place of active women in society. We don't want to forget this history.

Power dressing reached its peak with the economic recovery of the '80s. As more and more women entered the job market and took up positions of responsibility, they felt freer to assume their femininity, despite the imperative to look professional and exude excellence.

The style adopted by Princess Diana is a telling example of this major societal shift. With her glamorous outfits, sophisticated wardrobe and self-assumed sensuality, she proved to women that it was possible to be a figure of power and still be extremely feminine. Her wardrobe even became a sign of her political commitment to greater freedom of dress for women.

The change in the power dressing trend can also be seen in pop culture, notably in the Dynasty series, where women rub shoulders with wealthy businessmen. Suits with wide epaulets and large collars were in vogue, as were a wide variety of colors, fabrics and accessories. Power dressing was no longer as strict as in the previous decade.

Today, our collections are colorful, inspired by different worlds. We also owe this creative freedom to the women of the 80s, whose audacity enabled fashion to evolve drastically.