People will probably feel that I have no right to be writing about something that is way before my time and that I had no physical contact with but from this very old V magazine interview and the accompanying images and this YouTube video of Fashion Aid in 1985, I am clamouring for Bodymap [1], a British label of the 80's founded by David Holah [2] and Stevie Stewart [3], that ultimately failed because of over-hype and under-funding (two failures of a lot of British independent designers...), to return and prosper in today's enthusiastic fashion climate.  It's hard to find the collections documented online but with names like "Barbie Takes a Trip". "Querelle Meets Olive Oil" and "The Cat in the Hat", I know I want to see more...

[4]

The archive pieces styled by Tabitha Simmons, and shot by Craig McDean here for V Magazine 27 [5] highlight the resiliance of the pieces.  As in, I would wear any of these outfits straight away if I had the chance.  From the insightful interview [6] with Stevie Stewart, it sounds like Bodymap's failing was its inability to build a successful business model and it was through no fault of the clothes.  Perhaps their initial dreams of building a Bodymap empire are too far-fetched but I'm certain that a rail of Bodymap sitting in any department store or boutique today would fly.  Innovative cut stretch fabric pieces, sweatshirting with lycra, pseudo-ethnic prints, misplaced addition of volume.... I want me some of that even without the the attachment of the Bodymap label.   

[7]

Also, how much fun is everyone having in this Bodymap 'catwalk' show as part of 1985's Fashion Aid [8] (could we possibly handle a 21st century Fashion Aid..except minus any self-righteous U2 Bono affiliations...)?