Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s

We're so excited to announce the opening of our new exhibition "Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s" on November 1, 2023.

The 1980s is a decade known for its bold fashions: bright colors, sharp silhouettes, cone heels, and high-status sneakers. Fashion in this period was also defined by a wide variety of choices that consumers could make about how they wanted to look. The fact that one could quickly cycle through identities and trends speaks to the fast-paced consumerism of his decade. Culturally, the 1980s were defined by conservative politics, globalization, and technological innovation. Self-improvement and the pursuit of individual success was strongly encouraged, and fashion was promoted as a way to both achieve and flaunt a successful career, a desirable body, and an enviable lifestyle. Shopping malls and mail order catalogues, as well advertisements in film, television, and music videos encouraged materialism and fed a generation of consumers who were dressing to impress.

Sponsored by: Boom 97.3, The Toronto Star, Designlines Magazine, The Kit, AZURE Magazine

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