By Donna Richardson
Rebellion and style defined the Mods of the 1960s, who donned sharp suits and rode Vespas and Lambrettas to Brighton for confrontations with rockers. This vibrant era was famously portrayed in the cult classic film Quadrophenia, starring Phil Daniels and Sting. The legacy of this iconic vintage style is set to be revived with a new exhibition showcasing original clothing from this iconic time.
Now, an original Leicester mod, Roger K. Burton, owner of The Contemporary Wardrobe, which supplies street fashion for films, including Quadrophenia, has opened up a brand new exhibition, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66, at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
Burton turned back the clock to one of British culture’s most stylish and revolutionary eras in the exhibition sponsored by original Mod brand Ben Sherman, which opened earlier this month.
The exhibition will feature the bold style and youthful rebellion of a generation, showcasing iconic pieces from designers like Mary Quant and John Stephen. Thirty-five mannequins will display original Mod outfits from Roger K. Burton’s vintage collection.
“Ben Sherman was a legend in his own right. He is often described as always embracing the new and best styles“
With over 50 years of experience, curator Roger K Burton styled in Franc Roddam’s Quadrophenia film and Absolute Beginners, working with cultural icons such as David Bowie, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
On Saturday, 24 May, he held a special event with Martin Pel, Curator of Textiles and costume at Brighton & Hove Museum, talking about how the Mod style revolutionised fashion in the 1950s and ‘60s and its lasting legacy on street fashion -Styling a Revolution: Mod fashion in the making.
Ben Sherman was a legend in his own right. He is often described as always embracing the new and best styles. Born Arthur Benjamin Sugarman, he began his career making shirts for other designers; it wasn’t long before his creative flair took over, and he started designing his own shirts.
By 1963, Ben Sherman was ready to launch his own clothing line. For six decades, the iconic Ben Sherman shirt and brand have been adopted by almost every seminal youth culture and style movement; it is revered and worn by today’s style leaders. Today as a global lifestyle brand, Ben Sherman and the original Oxford shirt remain a modern icon; there is simply nothing quite like an original Ben Sherman shirt. crafted an exhibition that goes beyond clothing. “The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66 isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about capturing the restless spirit of a generation,” Burton explains.
“The Mods emerged in post-war Britain, rejecting 1950s styles for sharp tailoring and bold colors. They celebrated youth, freedom, and modernity, leaving a lasting influence.”
The exhibition showcases the influential designers who defined the Mod movement with sleek miniskirts, sharp suits, and crisp button-down shirts that embodied its forward-thinking spirit. “These garments were statements of individuality, rebellion, and modernity,” says Burton.
“The Mods created a lifestyle… a cultural movement that remained relevant for generations. What started as a youthful rebellion in post-war Britain became a global phenomenon. This exhibition will show how that spirit still influences fashion today.”
Roger Burton, curator of the collection and a Leicester-based mod
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museum, says, “We are excited to present this exceptional exhibition in collaboration with renowned fashion expert Roger Burton.
“This exhibition not only showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and innovation of Mod fashion but also celebrates Brighton’s unique historical connection to this influential youth movement. Brighton & Hove Museums provides the perfect setting, offering visitors an inspiring opportunity to explore the cultural and stylistic legacy that continues to resonate across generations.”
Hedley says visitors can expect more than just fashion on display. “As visitors walk through the gallery, they’ll be immersed in the fashion of the Mod era. The exhibition tells the story of how the Mod look evolved, its impact on the fashion world of the 1960s, and its relationship with clubs and global music. We will transport audiences back to the Mod era through contemporary clothing, accessories and photography. The exhibition will highlight the sharp, cool fashion fuelling this cultural revolution.”
Founded in Brighton in 1963, after an inspiring trip to America, Ben Sherman established a factory in Bedford Square. The iconic brand has become a symbol of sharp British style and the Mod movement for its tailored designs and contemporary aesthetics. Just last year, it opened a new store in Brighton, reaffirming its strong ties to the city.
But by sponsoring The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66, Ben Sherman reaffirms its legacy as a brand synonymous with Mod culture. The new Brighton flagship store is also set to feature a striking window display in May that pays homage to the exhibition, reinforcing the connection between the brand, the city, and the Mod movement, which continues to hold epic Mod events such as the Mod weekender on the August bank holiday.
While the Mod era had faded by the late 1960s, its legacy lived on. Mods crafted a distinctly British lifestyle in its sharpness and sophistication, yet boldly modern in its perspective. Their influence extended far beyond Britain, shaping fashion around the world, even being adopted by the Britpop movement of the 1990s.
“The Mods created a lifestyle,” says Burton. “It was a cultural movement that remained relevant for generations. What started as a youthful rebellion in post-war Britain became a global phenomenon. This exhibition will show how that spirit still influences fashion today.”
The exhibition is a must-see for those curious about the Mod movement. It’s a chance to step into the world of a transformative youth culture that left an indelible mark on fashion and society. Whether you lived through the era or are discovering it for the first time, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66 promises an immersive and captivating experience.
Discover the vibrant Mod style at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery from May 10, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Located a short walk from the seafront, where the mods liked to hang out, this exhibition showcases the fashion movement that transformed the scene. Don’t miss it. Find out more here.
