It has long been claimed that youth culture was non existant before the 1950's before Rock 'n' Roll music shook things up. We could mention a great many subcultures that have in their own way influenced different aspects of fashion, art and music but for me the Modernistschanged the world.
Born in the 50's with a love of modern Jazz and sharp Italian clothing Mods went on to become the biggest and most enduring subculture of all going on to spawn the swining Sixties that we are all so familiar with. Not all mods were happy with the course the bohemian minded Mods were taking things. In the mid to late 60's the hard, working class Mods stripped back the flamboyance to the original smart look, cropped their hair and donned the boots that became so familiar with the Skinhead movement.
There have been Mod revivals in the late 70's and early 80's, the 90's and there now with the use of social media there seems to be a growing movement with many great bands arrivinig on the scene. Fashion is also being strongly influenced by both Mod and Skinhead style at the moment which in itself is interesting to see the modern take on classic design.
There are countless books and studies on the subject, many becoming collectors items as they go out of print. I would highly recommend reading a variety as opinions vary and accounts differ. There are also quite a few great photography projects which are worth checking out such as this by Jamie Garbutt, you can see some of his work below.
