Neon Through Eons: from 1980s to this day

Fluorescent pink, light green, electric blue and cold silver are just some of the colors that marked the 80s but it seems that they keep coming back to our utmost pleasure.

If we take a look at the contemporary trends we can help but notice a strong influence of neon colors that were all the rage back in the day, especially in the late 80s. The history repeats indeed and it’s one of those universal truths that also applies to fashion, given that neon trends keep persisting a last couple of seasons. The only things that change, however, are celebrities sporting them as well as inevitable reinventions of fashion styles and cuts of course.

Then – Madonna

desperately seeking susan

The fashion icon keeps introducing new and bold trends, even to this very day. And even though Madonna’s current style could be described as more geometrical and inclined to darker colors and edgy fabrics, it was all about neon back in the day. It’s worth mentioning that the diva never exaggerated in terms of combining neon pieces. A little bit of flashy pink here, a hint of electric blue there and there’s no danger of being mixed up for a scoreboard. Atta girl!

Now – Lady Gaga

Even if we entirely disregard the fact that Gaga’s stage originates from Queen’s undying hit, there are still so many retro influences both in Gaga’s visual style and music that one must be blind not to notice them. She might have entered a somewhat reduced phase now, but she has gone through a ton of experiments with various fabrics, cuts and neon colors that truly made a great statement about her unique personality.

Then – Prince

During his 80s phase the legendary singer cherished a unique style that consisted of baroque shirts and jackets that came in strong neon colors… Except for when he was shirtless of course!

Now – Katy Perry

Now, this is a true 80s gal that offers a great material for the case study on how to combine neon pieces perfectly. On the other hand, it seems that her love extends to spandex and lycra as well. In words of Bill and Ted: Excellent!

Then – Whitney Houston

Whitney was more than just a drop-dead gorgeous lady, she was an exceptional musical talent whose death is still mourned all around the globe. Her neon makeup choices back in the day can really tell that a beautiful face is always beautiful, regardless of the color choices.

Now- Nicky Minaj

It is even hard to imagine Nicky in anything other than neon – from hair and makeup to provocative outfits that basically became her personal signature!

Then – Paul Stanley

Kiss really rocked during the 80s. This was the time when they decided to leave the prevalent black and white combos behind and wash off the makeup from their faces, which resulted in some pretty excessive neon clothing choices, additionally “enhanced” with tons of pearls and sequins. Some might hate it but we retro lovers find it quite interesting.

Now – Kelly Osbourne

Ozzy’s daughter went through some really different phases and ultimately become one of the fashion influencers of today. And if she says that neon is okay, who are we to judge?

Then – Boy George

According to Culture Club’s timeless hit, karma is a chameleon, but so is the frontmen of the band, a famous Boy George, at least in the terms of the multiple colors and neon new wave makeup he was wearing fearlessly at the same time.

Now – Leona Lewis

A hot singer really knows how to strut her stuff, especially when wearing a cropped neon corset paired up with a deep waist tight skirt and we can’t help but to approve.

Then – Olivia Newton-John

Everyone wanted to get physical with Olivia and we firmly believe this neon outfit is to blame!

Now – Jessie J

Blue overalls in combination with goldish black jacket with discreet but noticeable shoulderpads? It is called retro where we come from!

What do you think of our list? Did we forget to mention someone? Feel free to spill your thoughts in the comment section below!

The first person that came to mind was Taylor Negron.

Born August 1st, 1957 to Puerto Rican parents and raised in California. Taylor was an actor, comedian, painter and playwright. Best known for his roles in Easy Money, The Last Boy Scout, Nothing But Trouble, Better Off Dead, Punchline, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, River’s Edge and more. His television appearances include  Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, Reno 9-11.

In 2008, he wrote “Unbearable Lightness of Being Taylor Negron” as well his essays were published in the anthology “Dirty Laundry” and more. He was a member of the “Uncabaret”.

Unfortunately Taylor died from lung cancer at the age of 57. He was with close friends and family during his final moments.

 Clip – The Moth Presents Taylor Negron: California Gothic: 

Fisher Stevens  –

 Born November 27, 1963. Known for his film roles as Eugene “The Plague” Belford (Hackers), Hawk Ganz (Flamingo Kid),  Ben Jabituya/Jahveri (Short Circuit); Television: Frasier, Lost and LAW & ORDER. His best known roles on Broadway include: Jigger Craigin in the 1994 Lincoln Center revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel. He had an early success in the 1982 Broadway production of Torch Song Trilogy playing David, the adopted son of the gay protagonist played by the show’s writer Harvey Fierstein, and the original Broadway production of Brighton Beach Memoirs, where he succeeded Matthew Broderick in the starring role of Eugene. Throughout his career, he has acted in and directed more than 50 stage productions.

Fisher has had more than three decades in theater. He co-founded Naked Angels Theater Company in 1986. Co-founded New Media/Documentary Co. in 1996. In June 2010, Stevens made his major theatrical directing debut with John Leguizamo’s one-man show, Ghetto Klown (originally called Klass Klown), which eventually ran on Broadway from March to July 2011. The two had appeared together in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Public Theater about 20 years earlier. On July 13, 2012, PBS debuted Tales From a Ghetto Klown, a documentary about the development of the show which prominently features Stevens.

In 2010, Stevens won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature for co-producing The Cove.

Dean Cameron – 

Born Dean Eikleberry on December 25, 1962, in Morrison, Illinois. Best known roles: Summer School(1987) and Ski School (1991). Dean has starred in some short-lived television series like Spencer (1984), Fast Times (1986, a spinoff of the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High), They Came from Outer Space (1990), and Mister Sterling (2003).

He tours with a two person show entitled “The Nigerian Spam Scam Scam” with Victor Isaac; read from Dean’s correspondence with a Nigerian 419 scammer. He’s performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Festival in 2004 and 2005; “Just for Laughs Fest” and “Upright Citizens Brigade” 2005.

Dean also directed a video for Steel Panther and co-wrote a song for them. He also co-wrote the independent film “Hollywood Palms” and and directed a short film, Glutton Falls and directed/choreographed “Bukowsical”, a sell-out late night musical theater parody at the Sacred Fools Theater Company in Los Angeles, California.

Phoebe Cates –

Born Phoebe Belle Cates; July 16, 1963. Best known roles: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, Private School, Date with an Angel, Bright Lights Big City, Drop Dead Fred, The Anniversary Party.

Retired from acting in 1994 to raise her children with husband and actor Kevin Kline. She briefly returned to acting as a favor to friend Jennifer Jason Leigh in her directorial debut “The Anniversary Party”.

In 2005, Cates opened her own boutique called “Blue Tree”. A downtown style vintage and thrift shop on Madison Avenue.