Spice Girls: blast from the past

One-time Spice Girl Geri Halliwell launches her Union Jack Collection at Next, nearly 15 years after her original Brit-inspired outfit hit headlines around the world...

This is the real deal in all its glory, back in '97.

We particularly like the luminous platform boots - but of course, that was a favourite motif among the Spice Girls back in the day...

Mel B had a pair (complete with PVC gold suit and perpetual midriff flash).

And Emma Bunton - aka Baby Spice - had a soft spot for platforms too. Not to mention the very jazzy leather trousers.

Mel C, on the other hand, was a signed-up member of the tracksuit club.

Remember when Adidas and Reebok were the thing to wear? Sporty Spice was at the head of that particular fashion pack...

As for Posh Spice, well, she liked her sultry boob tubes and skin-tight tailoring, which she could dress up as required with her trademark open-mouthed wink.

When Geri wasn't on stage she could be found sporting eye-catching onesies in various lurid shades.

It's a whole new interpretation of plane wear.

Mel B/Scary Spice also like her all-in-ones - but she gave a wild twist to her's, with the leopard print theme.

Meanwhile, Mel C continued down the tracksuit route, spicing things up with a glimpse of her abs.

Emma B didn't always deliver on the shocking fashion front; but that wasn't a problem when Geri was around.

Victoria worked her love of mini-tops and midriffs into a natty suit...

When put side-by-side, the Spice Girls were a true fashion force to contend with.

No-one could quite match their unique sense of style and commercialism.

They were, quite simply, a fashion love story all of their own.

Long may their style be revered...