Sub Cultures - Mods

BRITISH SUBCULTURES

Mod is short for modernism and is a subculture that originated in London in the late 1950s and continued into the early to mid 1960s. It was developed and created by working class teenagers who were interested in the Italianate style as well as being art students who were part of the beatnik coffee bar culture. Mods were interested in fashion, music and motor scooters. 

When looking back at when the Mod sub-culture was developed it is essential to look at the social and economic climate at the time. The second world war left Britain in financial debt with Britain having to lend vast amounts of money from the USA as they had entered the world late and it didn't really effect their finances. Money was scarce in Britain during the 50's and compared to the American's wealth, the youth seemed to be enjoying Rock n Roll music, driving large Cadillac cars, it is easy to see why the British youth longed for happier times.

During the late 50's Britain's youth longed for their own identity, to be different and change their post-war image, and shake up the world a little by being heard. The rocker's wear all in leather motorbike gear with their Teddy Boy inspired greased back hair came revivals with the Mods who took a far greater care in their appearance. To be a Mod depended on your views, what you stood for, how you dressed and what music you listened to. The colour of your skin didn't matter as long as you were a Mod which allowed them to disregard the old racial stigma which is was really 'modern' concept compared to how previous generations had thought. 

Many of the early Mods were Jewish youths whose parents had settled in London after the war. These Jewish immigrants were renown for their excellent tayloring skills and they took great care in their appearance and that of their families. Jewish youth therefore wore tailored suits made from fine fabrics such as mohair. This stylish well present look was completely opposite to the Rockers style and was quickly adopted by the mod scene. 

During early 60's Britain the Mod youth movement began to gain momentum and exploded 1963/64. The famous film Quadrophenia was produced in 1979 by the Who. The film helped inspired thousands of more youth to the Mod culture movement and gave the movement international recognition. Even today the Mod movement remains strong in USA, Germany, Japan and of course still the UK. It is a youth subculture which has no intention of dying out and its very popular among fashion conscience youth today. 

Style:
Mod's tend to wear fishtail parka's to protect expensive Italian mohair tonik suits. Navy pea coats and Monkey jackets were some of the items of clothing also worn by mods.

The key to Mod clothing was being individual and wearing unique item of clothing that noone else would be seen wearing. The boutiques along Carnaby Street were excellent for this as they only had one or two pieces which were not created in mass production. Cult sixties bands such as the Rolling Stones, The Who and The Small Faces were seen buying their clothing buying mod clothing from boutiques on Carnaby Street.  

Mods used to get their clothing to have their clothes altered and tailored on a regular basis as well as adding something here or changing something to alter the appearance. This was all about being a mod and wanting to stand out of the 'norm'. 

Modern Mod Clothing
There are many British clothing institutions that have adopted Mod fashion within their clothing ranges. Brands such as Ben Sherman, Original Penguin, Lambretta and Fred Perry are included. Even Liam Gallagher member of the band oasis has a clothing range called Pretty Green which are known for producing mod style clothing.

Mod Music:

Mod's listened to music such as The Who, The Kinks, The Action, The Troggs, and The Animals. These are still bands which are regularly played today and are still easily recognised.