Vintage Esprit: 1981 Summer Sarongs and Sun Dresses

Vintage fashion does seem to reoccur in many ways.  In the early 80's, there was a strong trend towards 40's and 50's style revivals. Designed by Susie Tompkins for Esprit, this 1981 group of tropical print summer sarongs and sun dresses is from the summer 1981 collection. Adaptions of sarong skirts, fashion bras, and strappy or strapless Hawaiian style beach dresses like these were wildly popular at that time.

Vintage Summer Fashions from Esprit: 1980's Sportswear from California

In the summer of 1980, Esprit (of San Francisco) designed by Susie Tompkins, launched a summer collection that embodied both American chic and sportwear. Using traditional Levi styling (a nod to the original San Francisco apparel company) this fashion group showcased bright primary colors, sexy 'short shorts', tube tops and skinny belts. A bit of a 1950's influenced design, these outfits captured the leading edge for wearable, young sportswear fashions.