IN New York's Fashion Week it wasn't Hollywood glamour that inspired the designers, but Britain in the early Eighties.

Oh yes, the decade that taste forgot has proven an unexpected catylist for US designers, with sharp but casual suits, Brothel Creeper shoes, mohair jumpers and Slim Jim ties looking likely to make a comeback.

Those old enough to remember pixie boots and ra-ra skirts will be greeting this news with horror.

However, as a succession of supermodels trooped in wearing belts, skirts and gloves inspired by the days of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, and The Cure, it became impossible to deny that the 80s are back with us once more.

Dig those jelly shoes out of the loft right now.