This Christmas, London’s fashionistas embrace taffeta, fur, and unapologetic glamour
This holiday season, the most daring ensembles in London will look as though they’ve stepped straight off the pages of an Eighties-era Tatler magazine. Taffeta gowns and mink stoles are making a triumphant return, led by Gen Z style icons and fashion’s elite.
The revival is unmistakable. From Alessandro Michele’s bold reinterpretations for Valentino, as seen in his September debut in Paris, to the nostalgic displays lining Selfridges’ windows on Oxford Street, the Eighties are everywhere.
Fashion royalty like Apple Martin, the 20-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, and Brazilian model Angelica Kendall, crowned British Vogue’s next supermodel, are leading the charge. Martin dazzled at Le Bal des Débutantes in a strapless sapphire gown, while Kendall graced Vogue’s January cover in a jewel-toned Valentino creation paired with a fur stole.
As puffball skirts dominated summer wardrobes, festive fashion is taking a grander turn. Harriet Elton, former Harper’s Bazaar editor, has traded her mini dresses for voluminous ball gowns. “Christmas is the perfect time to embrace glamour,” she says. Chandler Tregaskes, Tatler’s Style Editor, agrees: “Shine brighter than the tree’s tinsel. If you can’t embrace bold fashion now, when can you?”
Tatler’s archives, curated by Tina Brown and Mark Boxer, serve as a treasure trove of inspiration. Iconic moments like Dame Vivienne Westwood channelling Margaret Thatcher and Tina Turner dazzling at Eton capture the decade’s extravagance.
Hannah Teare, Tatler’s Editor-at-Large, praises taffeta for its unique duality. “It feels luxurious but a little cheeky. Whether you splurge on couture or opt for a more budget-friendly piece, taffeta delivers drama and shine.”
For those seeking the modern-retro look, Teare suggests pairing vibrant red or lace tights with exaggerated shoulders, fishtail silhouettes, or oversized bow details. “These elements ensure a standout ensemble.”
This Christmas, embrace the unapologetic opulence of the Eighties. Whether it’s vintage-inspired accessories or high-gloss gowns, festive fashion has never felt so delightfully extravagant.
