Radio stars discover why the 80s really were the decade style forgot

Aug 17 2008 By Cat Harvey, Real Radio Presenter And Part-Time Style Icon

LOOK out those leg-warmers, dig out that puffball.

Retrofest - the festival embracing all things 80s and beyond - is coming back for the second time.

And this time organisers claim the event, at Strathclyde Park from August 29, will be bigger and better than before.

The cracking line-up includes The Bangles, Boy George, Kim Wilde, Howard Jones, Paul Young, Bucks Fizz, Boney M and Kajagoogoo.

Expect BIG hair, blue mascara, banana clips, leg-warmers and luminous dancewear for the girls, New Romantic shirts and drainpipes or MC Hammer trousers for the boys.

This year, I'm hosting the main stage with my Real Radio colleagues Steve McKenna and Ewen Cameron and we all jumped at the chance of an 80s makeover.

Make-up guru Craig Alexander Wilson and stylist Vicky Fleming-Brown were ready to help us turn the clock back - and how.

Craig told us: "I have lots of very bright colours. Think bright blue and sunshine yellow eye-shadow and lots of blusher - and that's just for the boys!"

Mr Ben's, the vintage clothes shop in Glasgow, was Vicky's first port of call and she promised me "some special outfits". She wasn't kidding.

In no time I am decked out in sparkly gold glitter leggings, a pink net puffball, white heels, a tight denim jacket and lace fingerless gloves - classic Madonna. In the make-up chair, a thrilled Steve is being transformed.

Craig attaches a becoming blond wisp to his fringe while he dons a bright orange string vest and the tightest satin shorts since David Narey scored for Scotland at the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Nothing, however, prepares us for Ewen. He's in a multi-coloured jumpsuit with day-glo T-shirt - he IS Timmy Mallet's love child.

And as the pictures show, I think we all proved you can never be Too Shy Shy for this look.

Retrofest is at Strathclyde Country Park, near Motherwell, August 29-31. For tickets, call 0871 272 6145 or check out www.realradio.co.uk

Name: Steve McKenna Age: International man of mystery.

80s favourites: Van Halen, Rainbow and Meatloaf.

Fashion: Black shirts, pearls and eyeliner.

Favourite 80s memory: I'd put sugar in warm water then use it to style my hair.

80s shame: See above!

Retrofest top track: Anything by the Steve McKenna big band.

Name: Ewen Cameron.

Age: 36.

80s favourites: Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and Rick Astley.

Fashion: Ripped jeans and Grolsch tops in my shoes.

Favourite 80s memory: Queuing for Aswad tickets.

80s shame: Being caught in my girlfriend's parents' bed. I can't hear Terence Trent D'arby without having nightmares.

Retrofest top track: Manic Monday by The Bangles.

Name: Cat Harvey.

Age: Showbiz 26, honest.

80s favourites: Duran Duran A-ha, Simple Minds, Bros and Spandau Ballet.

Fashion: I had blue and pink wool batwing jumper dress.

Favourite 80s memory: My pal Debbie's Limahl addiction.

80s shame: My first snog was horrific. He had zits on his zits.

Retrofest top track: Kids in America' by Kim Wilde.

Clothes: Mr Ben, Glasgow

Make-up: Craig Alexander Wilson

Styling: Vicky Fleming Brown

Pictures: Victoria Stewart