Legendary 80's show Dallas sparks fashion revival

And it seems that it’s seventy-one year Linda Gray, who plays power woman Sue Ellen Ewing that they are turning to for fashion advice– a step change from the young models which graced the catwalks of London Fashion Week earlier this month.

Dubbed the Dallas Effect, the relaunch of the hit eighties show, is only weeks old and already its impact has been felt on the high street.

Sales of tailored dresses and jackets, similar to those worn by the actress have more than doubled (+52%) since Sue Ellen began to appear on the Channel 5 programme, says fashion store Debenhams. A £75 J by Jasper Conran tartan shift dress and £65 J by Jasper Conran jacket are amongst the best sellers.

Some evening dresses from its Designers at Debenhams ranges in bold metallics and velvet, that wouldn’t look out of place at the TV hit show’s glamorous Oil Baron’s Ball have also seen a jump in customer demand of 120%.

Glam 80’s trouser suits are flying out of stores, selling more than 110% year on year. The Betty Jackson. Black jacquard trousers priced at £45 and matching jacket priced at £38 proving to be the most popular. The same goes for pointed toe, stiletto heels, which customers are buying in favour of the chunkier platform sandals of the summer months.

Says Michelle Dowdall, Debenhams spokesperson; “Power dressing is back! Women are wanting to look a million dollars and are going all out to make an impression by heading straight for the tried and tested power-dressing tools made famous by the notorious Texans”.

There seems to be a real trend for big, bold, impactful fashion going on, which could have spilt on to the High Street from the small-screen. High heels are more popular that ever, in bright jewelled colours with embellishments.

Sales suggest that the 80’s trend of matching your shoes and bag is also making a big comeback, says Debenhams.

There has been a significant rise in sales of costume jewellery, with big crystals and pearls selling well (+34% on last month).

Continues Michelle Dowdall; “Customers are piling on the bling and splashing out on all sorts of costume jewellery to make a big 80’s style statement with their outfit.

“It’s as though Dallas reminds people of a time when the economic outlook was bold and bright – just like the cast’s wardrobe!”

Whilst the fashion in the new Dallas series is definitely softer and more classy than the original, they have retained the slightly brash, high-roller look, which may well be a welcome antidote to the more subtle trends and muted colours of recent years.

Debenhams