This past Thursday's lecture discussed the topic of subcultures within fashion, a topic that I take a particular interest in. I find it most strange yet intriguing that clothing can 'form' a country (in this case Britain) over the past century, and this lecture inspired me to research in further depth about a few of these influential groups.
1. TEDDY BOYS
Before beginning this course I had very little knowledge about the 'Teddy Boy' culture, a movement where it became expectable for men to be concerned about their vanity and to quote 'be a peacock', which would have previously been frowned upon. The teddy boy look was also considered to be a parodied version of the classic Edwardian style.
The key pieces to complete this look include:
1. Drape jacket
2. Waistcoat in a brocade fabric
3. Heavy soled shoes
4. Pompadour hair
2. MODS
The mods first came to my attention this past summer. Whilst waiting for The Who to play their set in Hyde Park a group of young men hair closely cut, dressed in parkas began to chant 'WE ARE THE MODS!', which subsequently led to many others joining in.
These artists like the Who and also Paul Weller, became greatly idolized by teenage Mods, and their music had a great influence upon how teenagers led their lives and styled their clothing.
The 1960's mod style is still so prominent in today's society for the reason that it is durable, wearable and not extreme, which subsequently means that most feel comfortable wearing this style.
The key pieces of the Mod look include:
1. Parka coat
2. Suit and tie
3. Button up shirt
4. Vespa (for trips to Brighton!)
3. ROCKERS
In contrast to the Mods, there was the rockers. This look was influenced by American film culture and icons such as Marlon Brando, but 'englishised' by riding a British motorbike, and this teenage subculture typically favoured the music genre of rock and roll, in comparison with the British bands favoured by the Mods.
Rockers typically wore:
1. Leather jackets
2. Motorcycle boots
3. Jeans
4. Pompadour hair
In contrast to the Mods, there was the rockers. This look was influenced by American film culture and icons such as Marlon Brando, but 'englishised' by riding a British motorbike, and this teenage subculture typically favoured the music genre of rock and roll, in comparison with the British bands favoured by the Mods.
Rockers typically wore:
1. Leather jackets
2. Motorcycle boots
3. Jeans
4. Pompadour hair
A film I highly recommend to gain a further insight into the conflict of the Mods and Rockers, and to develop a feel of teenage life in the 1960s is Quadrophenia. A great film directed by members of The Who, which also features their music.
Here is a link to the trailer and further information about this film: http://www.quadropheniaofficial.com/the-movie/
I hope you enjoyed reading this post looking briefly into some of the subcultures within Britain in the 1950's and 60's.
Which subculture do you favour?
- A
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