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Miami Vice Fashion: Why was it so popular?

Soph

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107sw77.jpg
 

Arethusa

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Bren Tens are popular fashion accessories now?
 

Bradford

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Why?

Because Miami Vice was the coolest, edgiest show that had ever been on TV at the time. The use of handheld cameras, the lighting, the music, the attitude and the setting in art deco South Beach were all completely different than any other show that had previously been on TV.
 

stach

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A further refinement of the American Gigolo look, it was short lived (replaced by oversize clothing).
 

Dakota rube

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When was MV hot? Mid-80s, IIRC. I'd say the fashion was an outgrowth of the 70s latter-day hippies trying to "dress up" without buying into the staid, stoic btton-down style they'd grown up seeing their fathers wear. That, and the fact that Miami Vice was the best place to see scantily clad females on television without renting videotape or subscribing to Cinemax.
 

Holdfast

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MV did look different, sexy and fresh at the time. Besides, expect some elements of Miami Vice fashion to return this year (I'm already starting to see a few white jackets and colourful silk shirts apparing on some guys on sunny days). The new movie this summer, together with a couple of designers like Versace going for an updated MV look this year will mean some of the look will probably return.
 

Morris

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Originally Posted by Bradford
Why?

Because Miami Vice was the coolest, edgiest show that had ever been on TV at the time. The use of handheld cameras, the lighting, the music, the attitude and the setting in art deco South Beach were all completely different than any other show that had previously been on TV.


That's exactly right. We had never seen anything like it. MV was more than a television show, it was a cultural event ... akin to Seinfeld, Sex in the City in that manner. It infected all manner of dress, speech, casting, writing, music, etc.

Now, looking back all of that was a tsunami-sized trend bubble with limited lasting power (unlike a Seinfeld), but at the time it was important.
 

Tokyo Slim

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We just get Miami Wice on television. Miami Wice is number one new show. ...
 

Teacher

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Originally Posted by Dakota rube
When was MV hot? Mid-80s, IIRC. I'd say the fashion was an outgrowth of the 70s latter-day hippies trying to "dress up" without buying into the staid, stoic btton-down style they'd grown up seeing their fathers wear. That, and the fact that Miami Vice was the best place to see scantily clad females on television without renting videotape or subscribing to Cinemax.

Well said. And I remember Skinemax fondly....
inlove.gif


The look was a flashy combination of dress and casual, right down to the perfect hair paired with day-old stubble. The 80's were about trying to find a happy medium that -- at least in popular media -- didn't exist in the "hippie vs. Nixonians" 70's. (I know it wasn't really that disparate, but that's how it tends to appear in TV shows and movies from that time.)
 

Teacher

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Originally Posted by Morris
Now, looking back all of that was a tsunami-sized trend bubble with limited lasting power (unlike a Seinfeld), but at the time it was important.

Are you telling me you're taking style cues from Seinfeld?
wow.gif


wink.gif
 

VMan

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It was pretty badass at the time, a very cool and casual yet stylish look.

I don't know about the loose silk shirts, but a white jacket can look pretty good when worn well.

The look echoed the feel of the time period very well.
 

zjpj83

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Originally Posted by Teacher
Are you telling me you're taking style cues from Seinfeld?
wow.gif


wink.gif

You mean my puffy shirt is not fashionable?
 

j

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Originally Posted by zjpj83
You mean my puffy shirt is not fashionable?
It's those puffy white sneakers with the skinny black jeans I've been meaning to talk to you about...
 

acidboy

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i must say rico tubbs, at least if you consider the fashion environment of the 80s, had better style.
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