An ’80s Design Movement Makes a Comeback

First embraced by the Memphis Group of Italian designers, wild-child patterns and playful geometry are back in vogue

The bold and playful patterns of the Memphis Group are making a vibrant comeback, bringing 80s design back into the spotlight. With their signature geometric shapes, quirky lighting, and dynamic colors, these iconic elements are redefining modern interiors and adding a fun, retro touch to contemporary spaces.

1 HAT TRICKS

American Apparel covers this adjustable baseball cap in a new pattern by Nathalie Du Pasquier, who frequently collaborated with the print-loving Memphis Group. $45, at American Apparel, 499 Queen St W americanapparel.net

2 SEE YOU ’ROUND

Curved pieces of marble, purple-painted ash and Russian birch orbit Montreal designer Zoë Mowat’s circular Ora mirror. It’s perfect for deciding which top goes best with that high-waisted spandex. Contact for pricing, at zoemowat.com

3 TWISTS AND TURNS

Lighting studio Lambert & Fils arranges five bulbs in a quirky composition that resembles a bizarro circuit diagram. We love the brass accents on the powder-coated aluminum frame. $2495, at LightForm, 267 Niagara St

4 WONDER WALL

Wall & Decò goes polygon crazy with this X-Ploded pattern by Talva Design. Featuring triangles and squares in shades of blue and pink, it’s sure to appeal to adventurous geometry teachers. $10/sq ft, at Are & Be, 1213 Bathurst St

5 BOX STARS

Stash trinkets in this trio of wooden storage crates from BoConcept. Playfully patterned openings in the yellow, green and pale-pink lids offer previews of the scrunchies and hoop earrings inside. From $20, at BoConcept, 230 Adelaide St E

6 RETRO REVIVAL

Ettore Sottsass, a founder of the exuberant Memphis Group, designed this collection for Kartell in 2004. Including shapely vases, stools and a lamp, it’s finally in production. Call for pricing, at Quasi Modo, 789 Queen St W

Originally published in our Fall 2015 issue as ’80s Revival.