Look what we found in the Laura Ashley archive- 80’s Vogue ‘More Dash Than Cash’ read more
Whilst thumbing the shelves of the book section in our London Archive, we stumbled upon a distinctly retro copy of Vogue’s ‘More Dash Than Cash’ – fans of the fashion bible will recognise the title in it’s modern incarnation as a regular editorial shoot focusing on the high street. The 1982 version of MDTC was an invaluable tome penned by Vogue journalist Kate Hogg. The focus of Dash, was creating an individual sense of style and dressing chicly without a big budget – an ethos that still resonates with many on today’s high street.
Photographer: Feurer
The manifesto takes the reader on journey through ‘imaginative ideas’ and suggestions for all Vogue’s readers circa ’82, even those who are ‘not necessarily London based or terrifically rich’. From chapters on Individual Style “[stylish dressers] are the kind of irritating people who stand out in a room because of a special, indefinable presence” and Wardrobe Tactics “Trousers can be made to look as smart as a skirt” to photographs featuring the likes of self proclaimed ‘world’s first Super Model’ Janice Dickinson and the ill fated Gia Carangi.
Decades before we had heard of Jeggins, VPL’s and ‘It’ Bags, the book led the way for the sartorially unsure. Now 30 years old, we thought it the perfect time to bring you our favourite excerpts and quotes from the book that’s fundamental principles are surprisingly timeless, while others a tad more…Vogue.
“How you wear the clothes counts as much as what you wear. You need the skill to make something extraordinary look intended, not like fancy dress”
“Success with today’s fashion relies on individual style and originality”
Photographer: Lategan
“Try men’s pyjamas for alternative summerwear”
“Even when you do spend hours deciding what to wear, create the impression of an effortless unrehearsed appearance”
“Even one simple sweater can provide a surprising number of options”
“The idea of spending a lot of money on one bag for each outfit is ludicrous… Do not fall into the trap of buying a bag in predictable useful colours…”
Photograph John Koball Collections
“Roller Disco: a craze that prompted its own fashion”
“Underwear ridges caused by Bulges from tight pants are another terrible letdown for appearance.”
Photographer: Donovan
“Experiment in shops by trying on a larger size than usual”
“Even born beauties have to work at staying beautiful. It is not something to take for granted”
Photographer: Donovan
Re-introduced to the UK publication in April ’09 the fashion bible revised it’s A-Z of More Dash Than Cash for the modern age in October that year, take a look here
A modern day ‘More Dash Than Cash’ spread featuring Laura Ashley.
Hero image. Photographer: Donovan
‘More Dash Than Cash’ by Kate Hogg.
Hutchinson& Co. (Publishers) Ltd.