These Photos From the 1980s Prove NYC Street Style Has Always Been on Point

"AnOther" magazine takes a look at the work of Amy Arbus, a pioneering street style photographer who captured the spirit of 1980s NYC.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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When it comes to dressing, New Yorkers clearly have their shit on lock. The mix of street edge, sophistication, and fearlessness has made the city synonymous with standout fashion and style. And, apparently, the city has had this reputation long before the era of social media and the flood of street style photographers. Need proof? Then check out the new feature by AnOther magazine that highlights the work of Amy Arbus—a pioneering fashion photographer who worked for the Village Voice about three decades ago.

In the article, reporter Olivia Singer talks to Arbus about her prolific career, being the daughter of world-renowned artist Diane Arbus, and working under legendary photographer Richard Avedon. She also explains how she got her start in street style photography and how she was able to capture the NYC spirit through everyone from Madonna to The Clash to random city dwellers.

“All they said to me was 'take a picture of anyone who makes you turn your head' and I thought, 'what a great description,” Arbus said about her gig at the Village Voice. “Ultimately, we realised that I was finding the kids that the high fashion designers were ‘borrowing’ from for their high fashion, so what they were doing was very important and revolutionary.”

Check out some of the photographs Arbus shot during her time at the publication. To see all the images and to read the entire interview, head to AnOther magazine’s website.

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