Hi,

I work for a touring theatre company and we are currently trying to find some photos of PUNK fashion from the 1980s for help in designing costumes for an upcoming show. Does anyone know where I could find some photos to download and/or print from the internet? I have tried several sites which give good WRITTEN descriptions of clothes but not many pictures at all. Can you help point me in the right direction? Any help is appreciated (links, general guidance, etc)! OR, if anyone can give me some good written descriptions of punk fashion from the 1980s that is good too...

THANKS! - Erin McQuain

Sorry no pics, but I was a "punk" for a large majority of the 80's-here's the long and short of it: SHOES- Black combat boots (unlaced) Judd Nelson style/Breakfast Club

Red Converse All-Stars "Chuck Taylors" $19.99 PANTS- Denim, leather is too hot to "Skank" in/notice I didn't say "Mosh"

Black/ or random splattering of bleach on blue w/safety pins on the

inner leg seams for maximum tightening effect.

Plaid "bondage" pants (you know...the straps interconnecting the legs)

Camos, although not as common as above styles. SHIRTS-Tee-Shirts...Cut the sleeves off and cut a slot down the underarm

seams towards the waist about half-way. Suggested, but not limited to

these bands-The Cramps (w/ melting candle on skull trademark image)

The Exploited (w/ Wattie's trademark 'hawk/ notice I didn't

say "mohawk"

Sex Pistols (that sould be obvious)

Dead Kennedys (in America...a dead ringer)

Anarchy symbol (at least one member must be sporting the

proverbial circled A)

Mowhair Sweater...ala' Johnny Rotten (w/ safety pins)

Slightly Oversized Flannel...however this was primarily used to tie

around the waist in case the walk home from the bar

was cold...bus service stops long before last call.

Looks good this way with leather jacket on. BELT- Dog leash (metal, of course...cheap too) JEWELRY- Silver ONLY!! Definately earrings,definately rings,chainlike necklace

(don't use the metal lock ala' Sid Vicious...too "poser" JACKET- Leather,leather,leather (black only) w/various forms of band emblems,

various anti-government slogans, good place for Anarchy symbol

painted on (a naked leather is a naked punk!) HAIR- The fun part...NO LONG HAIR! Anything screwed up is acceptable as long as

it is colored. Aqua Net "Extra Super Hold"-fast dry cement

Some portion of the head MUST be shaved. 'Hawks come in

somewhat handy here. Just make any style stand up high.

Addition of "spikes" is a guarenteed plus, once again

Anarchy symbol left unshaven looks damn good too. Blonde

Blue and Pink recommended colors BEER- Pint cans P.S. In an attempt to help with the visual aspect here's a couple of readily available films that have occasional glimpses, albethem somewhat generic:

"Gotcha"-watch for encounter w/German punks at border crossing

"Valley Girl"-watch for quick glimpse of Nicholas Cage's street friend that he

hollers to while driving the girls through downtown(good example).

bar scenes provide a couple hardcore types, but music is not punk

"Pretty in Pink"-too trendy and tame (not punk) but bar scene has a few glimpses

Still a good movie anyway.

"Return of the Living Dead"-definate hardcore character type in the movie, I

forgot his name, but you'll know who I am talking about.

Soundtrack is MUCH more accurate than above movies. Get this

film!!!

Less readily available, but more intensive:

"Suburbia"- Do NOT get the newer "version"!! If the film was not released in the

80's, then you have the wrong film! Good "squating" movie.

"Decline of Western Civilization"-Do NOT get the subtitled, "The Metal Years"...

this is the WRONG film. Metal and punk did not co-exist AT ALL!!!

"Speed Metal" was a "headbangers" excuse for being too much of a

wuss to shave/dye their heads and piss off their parents.

Incidentally, the "mosh pit" is an abboration of aforementioned

pukes. The purpose of "slam dancing/skanking" was to release

agression, not "cream the bystander into the PA sytem and think

you're hot sh*t". Stage diving follows the same course. Sure people

got hurt/sometimes bad, but everyone was out to help the other not

get hurt. Agressive anarchy with unspoken laws.

"URGH! A Music War"- Every form of underground music clips (one live song from

each band). Some hardcore punk. How about early Joan Jett, Police,

and Devo as a bonus. Less likely to find this one.

P.P.S. I almost forgot, woman's styles were the same as above, however black

skirts with ripped black nylons were relatively commonplace in addition.

I hope I helped you. I would be fascinated to hear more about your venture, and regional limitations not-with-standing, would enjoy seeing it. If you need any further consulting or questions, please reply. I do have copies of the movies mentioned above with the exception of "Suburbia", although I would like it.

That was comprehensive. I'll add that I like Riff Randall's red-and-black color scheme in Rock'n'Roll High School, although perhaps she doesn't count as a true punk. Just a Ramones fan. Remember the groupie in that movie whose name was Angel Dust? She was cool.

Good Call. How could I forget the Ramones! Dated to CB/GB's, that alone warrants recognition. Let alone the times I cranked "I Wanna Be Well","Outsider","I Don't Care","Blitzkreig Bop"... That's like forgeting Iggy Pop, or dare I even say Johnny Thunders. I guess while I was so preoccupied with the "hardcore thing" I forgot about the beauty and raw energy produced when someone is able to play three bar chords in thirty songs, yet all of them good. I must admit I don't pull out the T.S.O.L. or U.K. Subs albums much anymore (15 years later and 31 years old can do that) but tonight I think I'll do it...maybe even throw in a little Souixsie, some Stranglers, and oh yes, hop a little "Rocket to Russia" to start it off. Thanks again. By the way, would you believe I've only seen "Rock 'n Roll High School" once, but I should have thought of it.