- Short for modernist- young British style-conscious modern jazz fans in the 50’s and 60’s, with revivals in the 70’s and 80’s.
- Extension of the “beatnik” culture.
- Began in coffee houses in the UK which catered to art school students.
- Mods rejected the dull, timid, old-fashioned and uninspired in favor of all things sexy and streamlined, new, exciting, controversial or modern.
- Aimed at being cool, neat, sharp, hip and smart.
- They rebelled against the old class system in the UK and liked customizing existing styles with symbols and artifacts, pop-art style, putting their personal signatures on their style.
- Fashion and music were a release from the humdrum of daily existence at their jobs.
Clothes
- Customized their clothes and mixed different fashions together
- Male Mods wore Italian suits with narrow lapels, mohair clothes, thin ties, button-down shirts, wool or cashmere sweaters, tassel loafers, boots or even bowling shoes.
- Female Mods dressed androgynously, with short haircuts, men’s trousers or shirts, miniskirts, flat shoes and little makeup.
- Both wore long army parkas over their clothes to protect them from the rain and mud.
Transportation
- Italian Scooters like the Vespa, which were cheaper than cars, often two-toned, and customized with extra mirrors, chrome, and their name on the windshield.
Music
- Smooth jazz and blues, American soul, and R&B including the Yardbirds and the Who.
Stop the Mod-ness! No, don't Stop! No Stop. :) Shine On!BraxtonLeft Click to ZOOM
