September 2002

Duran Duran is the undisputed champ of the New Romantics as no other band came close to achieving their success. A series of slick, film-like videos made their rise to superstardom almost overnight. Their fashion-model good looks and glamourous vibes didn't hurt either, but without heavy rotation on MTV, not nearly as many folks would've caught a glimpse of the boys. And not nearly as many teenage walls would've been plastered with their posters.

Originally, Adam Ant was a 70's punk rock boy with theatre sensibilities. But after the failure of his debut album with the Ants, he hired Malcolm McLaren (the Sex Pistols' manager/creator) to rework his image. McLaren changed the Ants' line-up, their sound, and their wardrobe. The music became more pop-oriented while their clothes more swash-buckling. The make-over worked. Adam's handsome face, pirate-inspired gear, and tribal war-paint made him a staple on MTV and the pop-charts.

Although they never quite achieved Duran Duranian heights of popularity, Spandau Ballet charted earlier. Their fashionable cutting-edge threads and make-up made them favorites amongst the London nightclub circuit in the earliest days. They had personal stylists before they had a record deal (they wouldn't even sign one unless it was written they had full control over their appearance). But their flamboyant style was short-lived as by '83 they had revamped their image into slick soulful crooners and scored their biggest record (and only hit in the US) "True".

Duran Duran	Duran Duran	Adam Ant	Spandau Ballet