Mods Editorial Shoot
I started with researching visual images of mod subculture, such as fashion, lifestyle, music, art, hair and make up and so on. I tried to incorporate photoshoot style of the 60s mod era into my photoshoot. Therefore, I decided to do my photoshoot mostly outdoors, where Mods would hangout such as coffee shops, highstreet, Carnaby Street and so on. My photoshoot idea is hugely influenced by the Mods era fashion icon Twiggy, Peggy Moffitt. I focused mainly on hair and make up, earrings, accessories, and bold and bright printed outfits.
Zine Publication
Mods Interview
- How do you describe mod fashion? What makes mod a proper mod?
Well, that is the million dollar question! There have been many debates over what is ‘Mod’ and what is ‘mod fashion’. A common definition is that mod is “clean living under difficult circumstances” which was coined by Pete Meaden, manager of The Who, but this could be interpreted in different ways. There are many different subcultures in mod culture and with that comes many different mod looks and fashion trends. I think most mods would agree that Mod fashion is about smart, clean and classic looks. If you were to choose a stereotypical mod look then you might include things like three button suits, knitted polos, button down gingham shirts, parkas, loafers and Chelsea boots, but Mod is a broad church and it can and does include a lot more than just this.
- What do you think is the most interesting aspect about mod culture and why?
I think the fashion and how it changes can tell the story of people wearing it, so I find that the most interesting aspect. I like the music and culture too, and I like the 60s a lot so I tend to lean towards more of a 60s mod look personally.
- Music and art were the major influences in mod culture ? Why do you think so?
The Mod movement actually has its roots in jazz music so music and art are major influences on mod culture. The name ‘mod’ was coined for jazz fans who liked Modern Jazz (as opposed to jazz fans who liked Traditional Jazz, who were the Trads). As times gone on music and art has changed and this has influenced mod culture and fashion in particular. Some of the biggest mod icons are musicians and singers; most famously The Who and Paul Weller and The Jam, but as with all things mod there isn’t one single type of ‘mod music’, but lots of different genres from rock and indie through to reggae, Ska and back to jazz again.
- How is mod culture different from other subcultures? Do you know any hangout places for mods in present time?
I think ‘mod’ is always evolving and developing. There’s already quite a lot of subcultures within the ‘mod’ label which are quite varied and different – for example, 60s mods (also called Peacock mods), Ska and 2-Tone Mods, Skinhead, Scooterboys, Northern Soul and maybe even ‘new’ mods for the new generation. There’s quite a lot of mod nights and scooter rallies and events and festivals being held all the time up and down the country and I believe there are some mod clubs and pubs out there still too!
- Do you think mod style has influenced fashion in today’s generation? If so how?
I think you can see the influence of Mod in some fashions which are popular today. Harrington jackets and MA-1 bomber jackets are on trend at the moment and they’re both staple mod styles. Lots of things like that come and go in mainstream fashion trends. A few years ago round collar (or penny collar) shirts were in vogue and more recently paisley shirts were a trend in mainstream fashion and both of these are classic mod looks too. Also in culture people like Miles Kane or Martin Freeman have adopted a mod outlook and style.
- How is your store/company promoting mod culture/fashion? What kind of customers are interested in buying mod (mod inspired) clothes/products?
The Mod look is a big part of the Atom Retro range and its at the heart of Madcap England’s style. Atom Retro incorporates mod and we sell other retroand vintage influenced styles too. We think our logo – a shattered mod target represents this quite well – we’re mod and beyond! Madcap England incorporates all elements of classic mod style, predominately 60s and 70s fashion, – we’re well known for our knitted polos and Chelsea Boots and we also try to cater for more hard to find fashion that’s been a part of the mod story in the past. Most recently this has been in the shape of Afghan coats for men, a classic 60s fashion piece which is practically gone from mainstream fashion entirely. Ours are faux suede however, whereas the 1960s versions were sheepskin.
- Can you name any style icon or media person who represents mod culture or whose style is influenced by mod culture?
There are lots! But I suppose the ones who spring to mind immediately would be Paul Weller and The Jam, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Lennon, George Harrison, Miles Kane, Bradley Wiggins… the list goes on!
- How has mod culture/fashion changed throughout the years? How is it different today?
As I’ve mentioned previously it’s changed a lot. In the 50s, when it started, it was a very clean and smart look which was about making your individual mark on the world. Previously fashion had been quite staid so the younger generation wanted something different and new which wouldn’t be what their parents would wear. With the 60s it split into what you might call ‘Peacock mod’ – the more flamboyant, dandy fashions which the 60s are famous for, and Scooter boy mods who would become famous for their 3 button suits worn under parkas (the large army parka would protect your suit from getting oil marks on it off your scooter!) In the 70s Mod revival took mod in a different way with skinhead and 2-tone ska becoming part of the mod scene.
- Do you think mod movement from the history is relevant to today’s youth?
It should be! Mod and 60s fashion in general marked a move away in fashion from traditional and boring fashions of the past and introduced a freer attitude to what you can and should wear. Most of modern fashion owes its existence to this.
Interviewee : Lindsey (Staff of Atom Retro)
Atom Retro ,Indie Apparel Ltd
Unit 1 Elge House, Hopper Hill Road, Scarborough, YO11 3YS
Mod Music Playlist
Subculture 