The 1980s stood out as a flamboyant era defined by its celebration of sex and power, with fashion trends characterized by bold elements such as expansive shoulders, shiny stilettos, luxurious furs, vivid colors, and ostentatious diamonds. Central to this iconic aesthetic was photographer David Bailey, whose work showcased the vibrant spirit of the decade.

This collection features striking fashion photography with renowned models like Jerry Hall, Cindy Crawford, and Victoria Lockwood, adorned in designs by Versace, Alaïa, and Chanel. Additionally, the album includes portraits of prominent figures from the era, including Princess Diana and Tina Turner. The prevailing mood reflects a playful sensuality, punctuated by images that capture both allure and intimacy, such as candid shots of Bailey’s wife, model Catherine Dyer, with their son, Fenton, during his infancy. Among the most impactful are the natural portraits of models sans makeup; a particularly stunning image of a bare-faced Marie Helvin stands out. Brief insights from Bailey and Grace Coddington, stylist and former creative director of US Vogue, highlight the significance of Bailey’s Primrose Hill studio as a hub for the vibrant energy of this period. Yet, the true allure lies within the photographs themselves, resonating with nostalgia and effervescence.

Catherine Bailey (née Dyer), captured in a 1983 Vogue Italia spread while wearing Yves Saint Laurent. In her introduction to Bailey’s collection from the 1980s, Coddington refers to Catherine as his “longtime muse.”

Jerry Hall featured in a 1983 Vogue Paris shoot, donned in Louis Vuitton. Coddington speaks to Bailey’s “dramatic fashion images” of high-powered models like Hall, Marie Helvin, and Anjelica Huston.

Hall alongside Helmut Newton for a 1983 Vogue Paris submission, representing one of Bailey’s famously playful and ironic photographs.

A portrait of Karl Lagerfeld taken for British Vogue in 1984. Coddington describes Lagerfeld as “one of the most influential designers of all time.”

Susan Moncur featured in a 1981 Vogue Italia issue wearing Enzo Russo. Coddington praises Bailey’s oeuvre from this decade as “exuberant, witty, and vibrantly colorful.”

Catherine Bailey and Cecilia Chancellor photographed in 1984 for Vogue Italia dressed in Valentino. Coddington notes that in the 1980s, “fashion loved bright colors … It created Spandex, New Wave, and bright, brash looks.”