English (Straight) Male here who was heavily into the 'New Romantic Scene.
The sound was obviously very important, but back then the dressing up was a massive part of it, pixie boots, flowing shirts, make up and I was only 12-13
Japan just stuck out as having far more style than the other bands. Rob Dean had departed by the time I got onboard and all the other bands had at least one member who looked like they didn't belong, weren't entirely comfortable with it all - "Brickies in Lippy" is the phrase used to describe them
Japan however, just looked stunning - there was David, the world's most beautiful man - how could I say I didn't have some sort of schoolboy crush on him? Mick looked so exotic. Richard & Steve looked fantasic too (mind you, some of steve's trousers weren't the best outfit for a drummer)
The Duran thing? Well I was a huge fan, but I was always convinced Nick Rhodes wanted to be Sylvian (Hey he looked Gorgeous too!) and Fatty Le Bon? (apologies girls) but he was never going to be the worlds greatest singer was he?
So (despite the rambling) Music was the main factor - but the look was SO important
Sonic