Mod Gone Wrong: Mad Men? (You Decide!)

Hey, I'm as big a fan of Mad Men as the next guy, really. Sadly, my wife and I have fallen really on the show, leaving off somewhere mid-third season. But we are planning on catching up real soon, because it is an amazing show.

Sure, there's the great set design, the beautiful early '60s costuming, the solid writing, and, of course, all those great characters.  But, heck, I was sold by the first episode when they referenced the famous Volkswagen 'lemon' ad, which is generally credited for shifting the tone of advertising to a more 'hip' sensibility in the early '60s. (If interested in this subject, look up Thomas Frank's Conquest of Cool book... yes, I'm a nerd for this stuff.) Over 50 years later, advertisements have pushed the idea of 'hip' way past its breaking point.

And, what's hip these days? Yup, you guessed it: Mod! (To paraphrase my wife, "'Mod' is this season's black.") And what show is delving into the American 'Mod' era of the 1960s? Yup, you know it: Mad Men! So, it makes perfect sense to sell people a hip new line of clothing inspired by 'mod' as filtered through Mad Men.

Want a chance to live the "Mod life" in NYC? Here you go!

It really is weird, if you think about it, though. One of my first posts, way back in 2011, gave slight mention of the influence Mad Men was having on men's fashion. It wasn't the only influence, but it was a good one! Finally, suits were more fitted, lapels were slimmer, trousers were more narrow. No, Mad Men wasn't having a direct major influence on men's style, but it was contributing to a changing approach to a 'new' look for men. Words like 'retro,' European fit,' and 'slim fit' were tossed around to describe this look.

My guess is that, in time, people are just going to refer to this look as (the catch-all) 'mod.'  And you'll probably be able to thank Mad Men and Banana Republic for that. You see, the big news all around is that Banana Republic has released an official Mad Men-licensed 'mod' line of clothing! Yup, Mad Men is about to have a very direct influence on men's style.

People are going to be walking around in clothing inspired by the clothing worn on a television show inspired by the clothing worn by real people in the 1960s. Talk about 'life imitating art imitating life!'

Another Mod revival?

Now the weird thing is how the whole 'mod' thing plays into this. You know the basic history of the culture that developed with English youth in the 1960s and remained relatively 'underground' until the media exploitation of "Modsversusrockers." This, of course, led to a commercial bonanza with 'Swinging London,' the 'Swinging Sixties,' and a whole world gone 'MOD'!

Soon, 'mod' found its way to the United States, no longer really used as a noun to describe those English kids, but rather as an adjective used to describe pretty much anything new and 'hip.' And the the American youth ate it up! Feeding them all the 'mod' they wanted were companies mastering all those new hip techniques of advertising.

The Mod acne solution! Image from Belly Buzz.

Stuffy old adults just looked upon this as another teenage craze. In time, though, even those adults fell into the Mod pool. After a few years, their uptight clothing choices became more free, youthful and, yup, mod!

Modnick slacks & shirts for the older man.
(And remember, in the 1960s, 'older man' probably meant anyone older than 25!)

And this is where Mad Men comes in. Think about it. The characters on Mad Men aren't young (by 1960s standards). The 'mod' look they're about to be wearing in this new season is what people their age would have been wearing in the 1960s, a look that was no longer that cool with 'hip' American youth. If you were an American kid in the 1960s, would you have wanted your parents dressing like you?

Now, don't get me wrong... you all know I LOVE the Mod look! But let's be real here. Banana Republic is releasing a 'mod' line of clothing based on what un-hip adults would have been wearing in the United States in the late 1960s.

I know, Pete Campbell, right?

And, boy, is Banana Republic going for it! "Mad For Mod" is the tagline for the ad campaign. But mad for what kind of 'mod'? This type of 'mod'? 

Dean Martin, the guy who didn't "get" The Rolling Stones.

Hey, look, the clothing isn't bad, really. For new clothing, it's quite nice. You wouldn't expect anything less from Banana Republic, which has developed a well-earned reputation over the years. But when it comes to "Mad For Mod," I'm not sold. Other than a slim fit, the men's line doesn't do a whole lot for me. The women's line looks a bit nicer, of course, what with the geometric shapes and bright colors and all. But what all this does is make me wonder what this means for those of us already into this Mod thing. Are you going to walk around in Banana Republic Mad Men® (yes, all rights reserved) attire? 

My wife pointed out a key reason why she'd avoid the women's selections of this new 'mod' line: "Are you kidding? The minute you show up in one of those pieces, everyone will know. 'Hey, she's wearing a Mad Men dress!'" Heck, imagine showing up to a party in your new chic Mad Men-approved dress and finding one or two other women in the same exact dress? Quelle horreur!

Plus, for me, it'd be a little weird buying clothes based on a fashion designer's interpretation of 1960s styles found on a television show taking place in an era I've been interpreting on my own all this time. It'd be like rockabilly people buying a line of clothing based on Happy Days. Steampunk people buying a line of clothing based on Wild, Wild West. Or, I don't know, gothic people buying a line of clothing based on Twilight (don't know if this analogy makes sense, but I like it). 

But hey, always look on the bright side, right? When you're walking down the street you'll be hearing a lot less "Hey, it's a Beatle!" Instead, that'll be replaced with "Hey, it's a Mad Men!" And, you won't have to bother explaining what you're about to strangers anymore. "Oh, I know what a Mod is. Mad Men, right?" 

The flip side of that is that in a few years time, when mainstream fashion has moved away from the "Mad For Mod" look, you'll get to hear comments like, "Hey! 2013 called. It wants its Mad Men clothes back!"

But in the end, if I'm being honest with myself... yeah, I'll probably be looking for one of those Mad Men ties in the sales bins.

Besides, somehow we survived The Nanny going 'Mod' in the '90s. We'll survive this too.

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Weekly Blog Roundup: 3/17/2013

Alright, a Sunday bit of blog linking for you today. Many of you are out drinking and wearing green today, but I'm stuck studying up on some work-related material. But, I'm taking a break to pass on some good articles:

• Now here's a shirt with a beautiful button-down collar!
• A review of the recent High Rollers rally from the Parka Avenue blog.
• A great piece on why John Smedley knitwear is worth a place in your closet.
• Now here's a couple that knows how to represent San Francisco style!
• I always look forward to these playlists... always turns me on to something new.
• Learn more about Tommy Roberts, British style innovator of the 1960s and '70s.
• Groove with one of my favorite Impressions covers. And when you're done with that, dig on a great R&B track, popular in the Bay Area in the early-to-mid '90s thanks to a cover by The Loved Ones.
• Seems this Mod book is crashing before take-off.  Eh... when it comes right down to it, THIS is the Mod book we're all waiting for, anyways!
• 1970s super style, courtesy of Get Carter. Thanks for the heads-up, Anorak Thing!
• A couple of cool videos showcasing that '60s fashion we all love so much.
• A piece from my new favorite blog, highlighting some of the great new jazz coming out today!
• For the design-oriented, grab some inspiration from these vintage magazine covers.
• Sadly, one of California's best tiki bars has closed its doors. Here's a nice obituary.
• Gals, interested in making your own Peter Pan collars? Here's some inspiration!
• A Modernist takes a look at a new Garry Winogrand photography exhibit at SFMOMA. He's new to me, so I'll be checking this out soon!
• Want to know why I love the Bay Area? Well, several reasons, but the biggest is the great group of friends we have up here that helps make this area so fantastic. And here's a post covering the bridal shower of one of our best friends!
• Bay Area animation fans, this looks like an awesome program!
• Lots of good music all around this week! Part 1 with Staycation! 
• Lots of good music all around this week! Part 2 with DJ Soft Touch!
• Lots of good music all around this week! Part 3 with Mr. Suave! (We'll excuse Menswear this time! ;) )
• This week, I'll send you off with a great R&B track. (Plus, it actually is time for me to catch up on some homework.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Getting in the spirit... with just a dash of the green.

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Weekly Blog Roundup: 3/11/2013

Instead of ending a week with good blog posts, how about starting the week with them? (Great way to spin my laziness over the weekend.)

So, fill up on coffee, grab a bagel, and enjoy the following!  

• Here's a new blog that I haven't been keeping up with... until now! Sounds like another, older Mod-inspired fellow sharing his thoughts... someone new to relate to! Last post was in January, but hopefully, it's not the last post!
• My main man, Kirk "Mayor of San Francisco" Harper, highlights his desert-island tracks and gives some good thought into the inspiration for these choices.
• For anyone not familiar with the Three O'Clock, here's a great synopsis of their career!
• Paul Gorman offers up a rejected review of Andrew Loog Oldham's new book, Stone Free.
• Monkey Picks delves into the funky world of Swamp Dogg!
• Too many soul obituaries seem to be hitting us lately. Here's one on Cleotha Staples of the Staple Singers and one on Bobby Rogers of the Miracles.
• Now, I was looking forward to this book, but I'm having second thoughts after this review...
• Mr. Suave serves up a tasty selection of old AND new soul tracks, including a new one from Nicole Willis!
• Anorak Thing finds a couple of great jazz covers for you!
• Banana Republic continues to go Mad Men Mod, but based on this clothing line, the ladies are getting the better end of the stick.
• We missed out on the High Rollers Vegas rally this year, but what's really bumming us out is having missed this restaurant reviewed by Le Continental.
• For the Ivy fans, take a peek into the Andover Shop, courtesy of A Modernist.
• Derek's Daily 45 has been highlighting good music on a daily basis. Others are now returning the good vibes!

 Alright, hope these set a good mood for the week!

 

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Casual Friday #11: The Three O'Clock

Working to look sharp for a rare evening out on the town can actually be easy. The tough job is trying to look sharp on a daily, casual basis. Yeah, you might have your Friday night suit at your beck and call, but what does it matter if you spend the rest of your time in target t-shirts and jeans? Every Friday, I'd like to offer up some style inspiration for tightening up your casual look, because let's face it... sometimes you just don't feel like wearing a tie, but still want to keep it sharp.

Many of you around the internet world probably heard a collective cheer around a week or so ago when it was announced that 80's Paisley Underground band, The Three O'Clock were reuniting for a few shows around California. Well, if there's one thing I've learned, California (especially southern CA) really, and I mean really, loves its '80s!

But, hey, when it comes to the Three O'Clock, I'm right there with them! I remember purchasing my copy of Baroque Hoedown back in high school and digging on their neo-psychedelic sounds. It was a switch from the punchy punk of other late '70s/early '80s Mod bands I was into at the time.

And as I sat there in my bedroom, groovin' out to Cantaloupe Girlfriend and their cover of the Easybeat's Sorry (which I didn't know was a cover at the time), I used to take mental notes on their casual fashion choices. 

(L. to R.) Michael Quercio, Gregg Gutierrez, Mickey Mariano, and Danny Benair (Thanks Karen Finlay!) Image taken from the Sweet Rhythms blog.

Right off the bat, I can tell you it was Michael Quercio's look that had the biggest impact, in terms of casual style. (Granted, it did take me a few years to catch up to that type of style. I was still wearing a flight jacket when I bought this EP, after all). But I thought he had the smoothest, casual look going on here: pointed boots, slim-fitting narrow trousers, striped sweater/shirt, and that nice corduroy (I think) jacket (Levis or Lees?). Top it off with the '60s shag cut and you have the casual look I'd end up adopting a few years later.

The other look in this image I was really taken with was Danny Benair's earth-toned paisley look. Again, it took me a few years to catch up, but by my sophomore year in college, this was how I dressed walking to school. In high school, though, all I did was study that outfit: colorful, narrow trousers, paisley long-sleeved shirt, dark suit jacket, with, again, pointed shoes. A look that was casual, but dressy at the same time.

I only took a few ideas from Greg Gutierrez's look in the back... after all, I wasn't much of a sneakers guy, even in high school. But those striped trousers, with the wide belt, and that paisley scarf were incredible! Maybe a bit too daring of a look in my 16/17-year old mind, but something I'd gravitate to later on.

Unfortunately, Mickey Mariano's look is a tad too morbid for me to really comment on... but if I was 16/17-years old, I would have loved it! I still had a thing for black back then. Not in any sort of gothic/new wave sense, but just because my frame of mind was still trapped in a 2-Tone, Reservoir Mod way of thinking toward clothing!

One of the main things I took away from this whole cover was that there were people in the mid-'80s who did dress super cool! Unlike many of the revival-ish bands I was into at the time, these guys not only sounded a little different, but they also had an interesting look going on, all of it casual. No target t-shirts, Fred Perrys, or badges up and down a suit jacket. Just a mellow, relaxed look that still came off sharp.

Then the 1980s caught up with them:

But that's okay. The 1980s caught up with everyone!

But however they're dressed for the reunion show, I don't care! So long as I get to hear them rockin' out to this:

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Weekly Blog Roundup: 2/22/2013

It's that time of the week... time for some great blog readin'!

• Monkey Picks highlights one of the best 1960s soul shows that ever existed: The Beat!
• Dang! That David Bowie was a total hippie when he was a Manish Boy! Look at that hair!
• A look at one of the more coloful sites in Palm Springs, the Saguaro!
• Argh! I just received the Trojan Presents Mod Ska compilation Robert Nicholls put together for Trojan records and before I have a chance to really let it sink in, he helps put together another great-looking compilation! Nicholls!!
• The new Mister Suave podcast features a good mix of tunes including some Etta and some McLagen!
• And when you're done with that, get your groove goin' with some Stanley Turrentine!
• I love stories involving people's excitement over clothes inspired by good music, and here's one from Jimmy Frost Mellor guesting on A Modernist!
• Have I mentioned the interesting sites in my neighborhood before? We live a few blocks down from one of the oldest cemeteries in California, which includes plots like this and this. (Oh, yeah, and the Black Dahlia's buried there too, but don't tell anyone.)
• Ouch! Curious as to how irked original Mods were when articles like this started showing up back in the 1960s.
• Here's some Beardsley-inspired graphic design for you, from Biba designer, Antony Little.
• A little history for you on early Sesame Street animation, featuring the letter 'J.'
• For a whole different type of animation, here's one for those of you who remember Night Flight!
• Skinheads, get to stompin' some moon with this great playlist!
• For those of you hitting up Las Vegas at the end of the month for High Rollers, here's a restaurant you gotta hit up!
• I'm a little late on this one, but for those of you still in a Valentine's mood, here's a love-inspired playlist!
• The Syllabus recalls the glory days of '80s Northern Soul!
• Here's a beautiful selection of 1960s movie posters designed by Joseph Smith!
• If you're sitting down, get ready to get up off your seat with one of the BEST soul jams ever! There's a chance I may make it out to the High Rollers weekend and if I do, THIS is a song I'll need to be dancin' to!
• If you haven't yet, tune in to the newest episode of the We Are the Mods podcast. Great tunes and interesting interviews!
• Alright, now I gotta leave you with a fantastic piece of graphic design by my main man, Mark Weddington, aka DJ Soulmarcosa, for a worthy benefit concert coming up soon:

Peace out, yo.

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Sharp Stylings #63: Ryan Gosling (Oh, the humanity...)

We can learn so much from yesterday’s fashion icons.  And living in a post-Mad Men world means we can even enjoy aspects of current male fashions! Every Friday, I’d like to start your weekend off right with a little style inspiration from either then or now. Hopefully, my fellow Mod enthusiasts will find the whole or some detail of the whole to appreciate and maybe even adopt.

Look, I don't know the guy. I don't think I've ever seen any of his movies (does Green Lantern count?). Hell, I don't even think he registers on my wife's radar (she's more of a Cillian Murphy kinda gal... to my chagrin). So, slow down before you start raving, "Mod Male, this guy isn't a Mod!" I know that, but bear with me.

Now, despite my Gosling ignorance, there's one thing I can't deny and that's the fact that this is a pretty sweet-looking suit:

Taken from Yahoo!

Okay, okay, let's be honest here... this guy was probably dressed up by a stylist. I mean, do any of these fat-cat celebrities dress themselves for red carpet-walking? Probably not. That said, Gosling's stylist does deserve some kudos for picking out a well-fitted 3-piece suit with a 2-button front that wouldn't normally interest me but does work well with the waistcoat underneath. The trousers fit narrow, but not too narrow, and lack any hideous pleats. For a modern style of suit, this ain't so bad!

But the main thing that attracted my eye was the suit's beautiful shade of rust brown. A vibrant color that you don't see around too often. Unfortunately, the stylist must have fallen too much in love with that suit, losing focus on everything else. The tie is way too boring for the outfit, there's no pocket square, and seriously, what is up with those rhinestone shoes?

It's a good thing Gosling's date is outstylin' him and rockin' that floral-patterned overcoat! Take it away Mama Gosling! (And Gosling earns some points for knowing how to show his mom some love.)

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Top 10 Live Performances, or The Mod Male Dream Concert

It's that time of the year again. Coachella time! The time when all your friends get on the Facebook and share their excitement over the bands they're excited to see, bands that will be new to them, or specific news-worthy headliners.

Personally, though, I rarely share in that excitement. I'm not much for outdoor concerts held in deserts and I'm generally not that interested in the long list of indie bands playing on the various stages. Heck, I never even know who most of these bands are!

Besides, no outdoor festival concert will ever match the dream concert I've created in my head. Oh yeah... don't think I don't have one of my three genie-in-a-bottle wishes already reserved for this one! And when I finally get the chance to make that wish, you'll all be on the invite list.

In the meantime, let me give you an idea of how mind-blowingly, ear-splittingly, get-you-up-off-your-feet-and-dancingly awesome this once-in-a-lifetime show would be with this sample of some of my favorite live performances EVER! Here is a listing of my TOP 10 LIVE PERFORMANCES, or the Mod Male Dream Concert:

1. Of course, I'd open the show with a group of guys who know how to lay out an intro. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Jerry Jermont, Bernard Purdie, Cornell Dupree, Truman Thomas, Warren Smith, and King Curtis!

2. Alright, let's bust in with a dose of country soul & rock'n'roll with Delaney and Bonnie & Friends! Now, you can spend the next 30 minutes digging on this whole show here, but if you want the tune that represents, click on over to the 15:30 mark! (Oh, and really... as if you needed another reason to love Bonnie Bramlett.)

3. We're just getting started now, y'know. Gotta give a nod to a certain fan fave. Of course, I'd have my genie pluck this guy out of his prime to give a little homage to another fan favorite out there. PW, take it away!

4. (Oh, I know: "But Mod Male, where are the Small Faces?" Hey, this show ain't over yet!) In the meantime, let's amp up the stage charisma with a little Junior Wells action. Seriously... THIS is R&B!

5. You know who else knew how to put on a great show with a fantastic stage presence? The Animals! Let these guys work you up in a frenzy... fave moment at the 2:55 mark!

6. Alright, time to bring this down a bit. Perfect time for a mellow instrumental interlude with Dave Pike, Volker Kriegel, Ingfriend Hoffmann, Hans Rettenbacher, and Peter Baumeister. Wait, did I say 'mellow'?

7. Wait, who's this coming up on stage? Aw dang, it's Etta James! Wait, who's that on organ? Aw dang, it's Dr. John!

8. Whew! Alright, alright let's steer this show into funky territory for a bit. Donny Hathaway, show 'em how it's done! (Unfortunately, he can't really show you, so you're going to have to use your imagination.) Audience participation is welcome!

7. Well, unfortunately, I can't embed the next performance, so you're going to have to use your imagination once more. See, I'd follow Donny Hathaway with a set by The Faces. Oh yeah! And they'd be joined by The Memphis Horns for a cover of The Temptations' 'I Wish It Would Rain.' But wait, what's this?? Is that Steve Marriott getting up there too? Whoa, folks... looks like my dream concert would include a Small Faces reunion!

8. Still with me? See... every concert needs a moment to slow things down with a good, mellow tune. Small Faces rocked you out mellow, but let's get a good, sweet vibe going with a performance from Curtis Mayfield.

9. Okay, let's pick up the tempo as we head toward tonight's conclusion. Time to ramp up your adrenaline! Hope you got a bottle of water with you... you're gonna need it! Ladies and gentlemen, this is what you get when you cross Welsh blue-eyed soul and American blue-eyed soul: Tom Jones & Janis Joplin!

10. How do you follow up a performance like that? Psshhh... you get the soul duo template in there. Alright folks, let's end this show with a super-soulful performance by one of THEE BEST SOUL ACTS EVER!

CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!! CLAP!!

11. You know who I feel bad for? All those people who just left thinking this was over. Come on... you didn't think I'd end this show without an encore, do you? Please... there's only one way to end a concert like this: you give 'em one showstopper of an encore! And there's only one man who can cap this night off with power!

That's it for me. I'm out! And yes, I know I left a lot of great performances out today. But if you were my genie, you KNOW you'd be droppin' more wishes on me after this one!

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