Original version

BBC Four

BBC 4

BBC Four HD

Oh You Pretty Things: The Story of Music and Fashion

Lauren Laverne

Steve Condie

Matt Hill

Oh You Pretty Things: The Story of Music and Fashion: Episode 3: Image

Documentaries

Factual: Beauty & Style

Music: Classic Pop & Rock

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media: Arts

Episode 3

Episode 3: Image

Image

BBC Four - Oh You Pretty Things: The Story of Music and Fashion, Image

This episode examines the 1980s, the decade when image became everything.

Series exploring the relationship between British music and fashion. This episode examines the 1980s - the decade when, thanks to the music video, image became everything.

Just how did Britain become the place where the best music goes with the most eye-catching styles? Lauren Laverne narrates a series about the love affair between our music and fashion, looking at how musicians and designers came up with the coolest and craziest looks and how we emulated our idols.

British pop and rock is our great gift to the world, at the heart of the irrepressible creative brilliance of Britain. But it has never just been about the music. Across the decades we have unleashed a uniquely British talent for fusing the best sounds with stunning style and fashion to dazzling effect.
 
The final episode in the series takes us into the 1980s - the decade when, thanks to the music video, image became everything. From Dexys Midnight Runners in their austere work wear and dungarees, through the flamboyant new romantics of London's Blitz club, the anti-fashion statements of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark to the band with the image that typified the decade - Duran Duran. The episode ends, as the decade did, with the emerging popularity of urban street wear led by Jazzie B and Soul II Soul. 

But this isn't just a story of brilliant musicians and maverick designers, it's a story that touches us all because at some point in our lives, we've all delved into the great dressing-up box and joined the pageant that is British music and fashion.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Series about British music and fashion subcultures from the mid-60s to the early 90s.

Series following the cut and thrust between British music and fashion subcultures from the mid-60s to the early 90s.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Oh You Pretty Things: The Story of Music and Fashion

Episode 3: Image

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Four

About BBC Four