Boy George Meets Material Girl

The 1980s are no passing fad, it seems. The Second Annual Totally ‘80s Convention last month at the Music Box @ Fonda theater in Hollywood celebrated the music and fashion of the 10-year period that started with Americans being held hostage in Iran and ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Brace yourselves--this crowd wasn’t nostalgic 40-plus-year-olds reminiscing about the good old days. When Michael Jackson won a best record of the year Grammy in 1983 for “Beat It,” most attendees were still in diapers. Host Richard Blade played flashback music videos in between tribute bands that channeled Oingo Boingo, the Ramones, Billy Idol, the Cure, Depeche Mode and New Order to our decade-challenged friends.

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Andrew Zutta

Burbank

Born in 1981

What ‘80s look are you wearing?

Michael Jackson, the “Smooth Criminal” video. It was set in the ‘30s, but the feel was modern. I’ve been dancing like him since I was a kid. I used to practice his moves.

What other aspects of the ‘80s inspire you?

I love everything about the ‘80s, but especially the music. My sister is nine years older than me, so when I was a kid she was in high school. I’d watch MTV with her. She was a big George Michael fan.

Do you have any favorite ‘80s movies?

I’m a “Star Wars” fan. “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” were in the ‘80s. But my favorite was “Amadeus.” I still watch it.

What was better in the ‘80s?

A lot of bands played just for the sake of art. People followed them because they had that energy. Nowadays, it’s about making money super-quick.

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Jennifer Cox

Cerritos

Born in 1980

What ‘80s look are you wearing?

I’ve got the Madonna thing going. I’ve been listening to her since age 3.

Describe ‘80s style.

Neon colors, cut collars, layered socks.

What do you love about the ‘80s?

“The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink.” There was a sense of humor that’s not in movies now. My boyfriend had a crush on Molly Ringwald. I had a crush on John Cusack.

Where were the 1984 Olympics?

L.A.? Right? That’s a trick question.

Was George Orwell right about 1984?

I was only 4.... I wasn’t into politics.

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Hector Velazquez

Rancho Cucamonga

Born in 1980

Do you always dress like this?

This is full time. I work at a community center and go to school studying social work.

What do you love about the ‘80s?

Memories. I remember around 1985 my older sisters playing Madonna and Cyndi Lauper and wearing a lot of lace and rosaries and stuff.

Was George Orwell right about 1984?

He was off by two decades. I can’t remember far back in the Reagan years, but we’re getting more and more locked down in this country.

What from the ‘80s should return?

Cartoons. In the ‘80s we had the Smurfs and the Care Bears and He-Man and his girl She-ra. Now we have Pokemon.

Who’s the biggest ‘80s crash-and-burn case?

Falco [Johann Holzel]. Remember “Rock Me Amadeus”? [The singer died in a 1998 car crash.]

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Katie Holman

Covina

Born in 1986

What ‘80s look are you wearing?

Madonna. The gloves and the type of dress, tight and pouffy down the waist. Black and white.

What should have stayed in the ‘80s?

The drugs. They’re still big. I’m not a fan of them.

What are your favorite television shows from the ‘80s?

I really enjoyed “The Wonder Years.” I used to watch that show with my grandma and grandpa.

Why do people love to hate the ‘80s?

They think the clothing was overrated and trendy. Some of my friends think it’s trashy, especially the “Flashdance” look.