Power-dressing and shoulder pads back in fashion

Nov 3 2009 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

A FASHION trend given the cold shoulder by shoppers for two decades is back and hotter than ever with Newcastle department store John Lewis reporting yesterday it had completely sold out of shoulder-padded garments.

Power-dressing was at its height in the 1980s, with women all over the world copying the stars of the small screen and donning the bold Dynasty-inspired look.

Now, after decades at the back of the wardrobe, shoulder pads are the height of chic again, with fashion critics praising the style and celebrities sporting them at every opportunity.

Among the famous faces championing the look are pop singer Rihanna and trend-setter Victoria Beckham.

Posh was spotted in a £7,000 leather jacket with giant shoulders designed by top fashion house Balmain twice in one week earlier this year.

But for those who can’t quite afford that price tag, DIY shoulders are all the rage, with North East shoppers flocking to pick up on the trend.

Bosses at John Lewis, which has a store in Newcastle city centre, have hailed the return of power dressing as causing a flurry in sales of shoulder pads at its Eldon Square branch.