To offer a bit of history, the Mod fashion era actually began in the late 1950's era starting with the artistic, creative beatniks, and eventually gained popularity in the 1960's. Fashion historians have traced the fashion back to two subcultures in the United Kingdom. The two youth cultures were the British Rockers and the British Mods (Mods for Modernist). The easiest way to describe these two groups would be to define them as follows:
Mods: The listened to modern Jazz, Soul and R&B; rode Vespa and Lambretta or other types of Motor Scooters; and their style was Tailored and upper-end boutique designer fashions.
Rockers: This group were considered rebels. They listened to rock and roll music; rode motor cycles; and their fashion style included leather jackets jeans. It is said that their "will" crossed society wills to the point that they damaged the reputation of people who rode motor cycles.
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Twiggy - Model | |
Hair was a statement in and of itself. Hair was big! Big flips, big up-do's and big bobs. In some cases hair pieces were added to create a coiffed bouffant hair style; at least, until a young thin model named Twiggy appeared in the latest fashion magazines of the time.
Mod fashions were tasteful, boutique styles with balanced designs, esthetically pleasing colors that coordinated and contrasted; as well as, geometrical designs and prints. Mod styles are designed with sleek lines and simple silhouettes. The mini
skirt, shift dresses, knee-high boots or socks, tailored coats and
graphic prints are just a few hallmarks of mod fashion. Drop-waist
jackets, shift dresses and colorful, flashy accessories also
characterize the look.
Mod Jewelry was equally interesting, and bold in both color and size. Large Hoop Earrings, big flowers in contrasting colors (often called flower power), big bead chokers, bright colored bibs and long opera length multi strand chains with bobbles and pendants, always oversized.
It was not unusual for the jewelry to be made of plastics or bakelite. The jewelry for the late 1960's - 1970's Mod era were often heavily patterned with geometric designs.
And then, there was the
Wild and Crazy MOD Fashions that were very short lived. Fashions made of paper, Martian style headwear, and more!
It was a fun era for fashionistas. The fabrics were changing. The patterns and colors were exciting, and there was a feeling that the clothing and accessories were a sort of rebellion from the conservative fashion ideals of the establishment.
Fashion designers in the late 1960's - 1970's took creative license when designing new fashions. Many of the designs changed what fashion would look like right through the year 2000.
Wow, what a blast from the past! This is such a cool look into the mad Mod world of fashion. Love the space age fashion, too.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post! There really is a playfulness about mod fashions and the pieces in the blog are fab!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I wanted to be one of the 'Mod' ones! Twiggy is my idol!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful retrospective. Looking forward to more!
Great info here! Shared on my facbook page too!!
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