Be Mod
In the late 1950s, a new subculture appeared in British youth culture, mainly in London. For the first time, teenagers had money, because they didn't need to contribute to the family with their after-school jobs. They spent it on records (modern jazz, reggae, R&B, soul, British bands such as The Who, The Small Faces etc.) and on clothes (Carnaby street fashion, mainly tailored but later, brands such as Fred Perry and Ben Sherman). They drove Vespa and Lambretta scooters.
The mod (short for modernism) movement faded away in the late 60's, experiencing a revival in the late 70's-early 80's, with the movie 'Quadrophenia'. The mod revival music was inspired by the energy of punk, so it was rougher and faster.
Today the mods are not only associated with the 60's and revival music, but also with modern music such as indie.
Steps
- Watch the movie Quadrophenia. You'll get some information about the mod subculture, fashion, music and more.
- Wear Fred Perry shirts, button-down shirts (merc, Ben Sherman), sta press trousers and slim-fit suits. For shoes, try desert boots, pointy shoes or groovy trainers like Adidas Samba.
- You don't need to buy a scooter, but it is definitely a mod icon, and it's extremely cool.
- Listen to mod-related music. There are excellent compilations out there, of the various genres.
- If you are a female, wear short bright colored frocks and tall bright boots.
Tips
- Study on how the mods lived, by reading books and websites, and by looking at British movies from the 1960s.
Warnings
- For girls: Light makeup and minimal wings on eyes a must. Make your eyes stand out with white eyeliner on the bottom rim of your eyes.
- If you like the fashion but not the music then don't say you're a mod, or else you'll be called a poseur!
- Refrain from buying yourself a leather jacket, unless you want to be a rocker. But if you want to look like one of the Quarrymen (aka the Beatles before they were Beatles), then yes. A leather jacket is for you.
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