Burlesque of the ’80s? There was no burlesque in the ’80s. There were strip clubs and Porky’s, but no burlesque. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t beautiful, iconic women who would inspire our modern generation of burlesque performers.

Here are some of them.

Click on any pic for more info.

Love is a battlefield, and Pat Benatar was its fiercest warrior.

What says “’80s excess” more than Joan Collins as *Dynasty’s* Alexis Colby? One look from her and you want throw a drink on yourself.

Oh, poor tragic Whitney Houston. Didn’t we almost have it all?

This controversial 1981 Calvin Klein ad featured a 15-year-old Brooke Shields, who declared that “nothing” came between her and her Calvins.

Gypsies, tramps and thieves…might be hiding in that hair. The ever -fabulous Cher gives us some late ’80s realness. If only we could turn back time.

And then there’s Madonna. Maybe the most iconic star of the decade (the millennium?). You can make fun of her acting, her fake British accent or her penchant for collecting African children, but the fact remains, Madonna IS the 1980s. Here are some of her signature ’80s looks.

The look that started it all – the *Lucky Star/Desperately Seeking* days.

Papa, don’t preach – I’m going to be a huge star and we can get the F outta Staten Island.

Want more ’80s? Come see Decadent: 100 Years of Burlesque at The Triad on April 22. TICKETS

**SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER** Buy one ticket, get the second at half price with promo code BOGO50 until 4/1! BUY

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Tag: Papa Don’t Preach

Throwback Thursday: Burlesque (not really) of the 1980s