The word *RETRO* is short for retrospective, and is a modern term used to describe the revival of older but relatively modern fashions. RETRO is currently enjoying a strong fashion revival.

This sale is for a lot of three fun retro hair combs in classic black, one of the NOW colours of the season. They all date from the 1980s.

The HOT look for the coming season as decreed by the fashionistas is a palette of classic versatile neutrals, punctuated by splashes of invigorating brights. Bright clashing shades and patterns are the new order of the day. Retro is big, Big, BIG with an eclectic mismatch of periods from the fifties and sixties with the seventies and eighties. Printed patterns, such as animal prints and Retro abstract florals, are seen not only upon clothes but also upon accessories.

First we have a large French twist comb with a moulded heading whose design is reminiscent of Art Nouveau. It measures 4 x 4 ins and appears to be unworn.

Next we have a pair of black and gold combs with asymmetric styled designs which resemble a leaf shape. The larger measures 4 x 2¾ and the smaller 3½ x 2½ ins. The smaller is marked Made in USA. Both in excellent condition.

MORE INFORMATION BELOW:

The costume jewellery industry flourished in the 1980s, and women experienced a new freedom and confidence to wear frankly fake fashion jewellery. In fact, the bigger and glitzier the better! After languishing somewhat during the 1970s plastic jewellery again became fashionable in the 80s. The plastics used for jewellery and hair ornaments in the 1980s were not only smooth but textured as well. Stripes and polka dot patterns were popular. All the colours of the rainbow were employed to create a dazzling effect.

The fashion hallmarks of the decade were big shoulders, big hair and co-ordinating costume jewellery. Hair was teased and ratted out, and this ‘big’ hair cried out to be balanced by glitzy jewellery in gilt settings with huge fake looking stones. Hair accessories of the period were certainly neither small nor delicate!