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Home • News

Retro Remix

We spotted spring's hottest trends in the archives of ESSENCE and reimagined these timeless pieces for ultramodern appeal.
By Réneise Francis · Updated October 28, 2020
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01
Black & White: Then

This iconic image of Veronica Webb from our April 1989 issue shows us that the graphic pairing of these two striking colors never gets old.

Retro Remix
02
Black & White: Now

Shirt, American Apparel, $58, americanapparel.net. Swimsuit, Mara Hoffman, $220, marahoffman.com. Skirt, Paul & Joe, $765, Paul & Joe, Los Angeles, 310-270-4620. Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, $65, 877-953-5264. Wrapped bracelet, Shop-Lately.com, $11, shoplately.com. Cutout cuff, Marciano, $58, marciano.com. Sandals, Steve Madden, $80, stevemadden.com.

Retro Remix
Hannan Saleh
03
Neon: Then

Our June 1991 shoot with Roshumba Williams proves that every few years these vibrant hues find their way back into our wardrobe. A jolt of bold color gives any outfit or accessory that standout flair.

Retro Remix
04
Neon: Now

Blazer, Mossimo for Target, $30, target.com. Dress, Mango, $60, Mango stores. Earrings, R.J. Graziano, $35, rjgraziano.com. Pearl necklaces, Anne Klein, $34-$45, Nordstrom. Sling backs, Signature by ShoeDazzle, $40, shoedazzle.com.

Retro Remix
Hannan Saleh
05
Notice-Me Neon

Purse, Lulu’s, $41, lulus.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny
06
Tipping Point

Heels, JustFab, $40, justfab.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny
07
Candy Colored

Peplum top, H&M, $40, hm.com for store locations. Jeans, Mavi, $98, amazon.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny
08
Leather: Then

Mounia’s cool leather look in our August 1991 issue affirms that the material never goes out of style. But this year it made a surprising spring debut

Retro Remix
09
Leather: Now

Jacket, [BlankNYC], $118, blanknyc.com. Skirt, Nicole Miller, similar styles available at nicolemiller.com. Earrings, Guess, $15, Macy’s. Sandals, L.A.M.B., $325, amazon.com.

Retro Remix
Hannan Saleh
10
Dressed-Up

Dress, DKNY, $995, bloomingdales.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny
11
Red Hot

Faux-leather skirt, Foreign Exchange, $34, feclothing.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny
12
Laced-Up

Sneakers, Aerin, $148, aerin.com.

Retro Remix
Photography By: Don Penny