Reissued: The Look Of London – charting fashion x music in the greatest city in the world
I’m delighted to announce that my map The Look Of London – which teases out the intertwining of popular music and street style in our capital over five decades – has been reissued by groovy guide makers Herb Lester Associates.
Across 113 entries, the map covers every youth movement and stylistic niche, from mod, punk, hippie and skinhead and acid house to casuals, rockers, soulboys and Teds, filtered through the entrepreneurs, designers, hucksters, boutiques, shops and market stalls powering the visual identity of youth culture from the 1950s into the 21st century.
Only a few shops and labels have made it through the ravages of property development and the digital age, among them American Classics, Lewis Leathers, The ‘Duffer’ Of St George, Worlds End and Paul Smith’s outlets (he has provided the guide introduction). And we are glad to report that The Baron Of Brixton – hive of south London’s most dapper rebels – has survived the recent threat of closure.
Designed by Peder Bernhardt, The Look Of London is packed to the gills with meticulously researched details, anecdotes and tall stories, all of which happen to be absolutely true, from Malcolm McLaren poring over the deadstock at Kornbluth’s in Aldgate to stock his Teddy Boy emporium Let It Rock to Soul II Soul kitting out Funki Dreds in Camden Town.
All for just £4 a pop from here. What’s not to like?