Subcultures, Teddy Boys photoshoot

 

Im a big fan of David Bailey and his more older east end photography that featured mostly black and white film and a beautiful muse Jean shrimpton. I wondered how i could take this inspiration into my work and create some classic pictures that look to us as if we have gone back in time, back to the 50's and 60s where it all started, where RocknRoll came with out the sex and drugs, for a bit anyway.

I though the idea of useing teddy boys from the past would be a good contrast to cover and also to show how a bit of modern lifestyle improvement has in any slight way affected them?

 

 Location: North London Pub

People: Johnno Peak and Friends

Year: 2012



Subcultures, A Teddy Boy interview

The Interview

Cherry; Hi Johnno, how are you feeling today? Thanks for giving me the time to interview you.

Johnno; Hi Cherry, I’m feeling pretty good today. Nice to know that there are some people still interested in us teddy boys, it’s no problem at all.

C; shall we get started then, why did you become a teddy boy?

J; well being born in the 50’s and growing up it was just something that was floating around and a lot of people were part of like how you have today the cultures of indie, that was our indie. I just fitted into it I enjoyed the music, the style and the fact that it was cool.

C; it’s clear your accents not from London, was it different growing up as a teddy boy in another part of England?

J; (laughs after I point out his accent) good observation, no I’m from Yorkshire, teddy boys were quiet big up there so it wasn’t much different to London no. we just had to wait a little longer for the upgrade, like when the style developed the shoes into creepers. We had to wait for them.

C; Creepers, they’ve become very trendy again. How’d you feel about us kids stealing your look and forgetting about its history?

J; well I wouldn’t say your forgetting the history, I praise you for reviving them they are a pretty cool shoe.

C; I can’t help but notice, that you still dress as a teddy boy, why is that?

J; (laughs again) why wouldn’t I dress as a teddy boy, I can’t call myself a teddy boy walking down the road in jogging bottoms halfway down my legs, my bum hanging out. To me "being a teddy boy is more than just a "look", it’s a lifestyle where behaviour of a boy is like the following of a religious cult". It also helps as I’m in a RocknRoll band.

C; wow that’s amazing whats your band called?

J; Johnny and the moonlighters, I’m sure sue can find a picture for you.

C; that would be great, thanks you. One last question, how long does it take to do your hair? It’s incredible.

J; thank you, not as long as you think about 10 to 15 minutes, we may be teddy boys but we still aren’t as fussy as you women. (We both laugh)

C; Well thank you very much johnno, it’s been a pleasure to talk to you and nice to see you again.

J; that’s fine, glad I could help.

Subcultures, Key features of Teddy Boys

 

Capturing 10 key photos that were culture defining I will not lie was a little tough for this subculture, why? because there are too many to choose from. This was a time when men really did become fashion concious and trendy unlike some sorry kid today who catches his belt round his ankles.

Ive searched the web world wide and found theses 10 photos;

 

 

Johnny and the moonlighters, a performance in 1983. 

 

 

Elvis Rock'in n Roll'in, a teddy boy icon

 

 

Crazy cavan and the rhythm rockers, a rocknroll band

 

 

The Teddy Boy bouffant, a signature look for teds all over.

 

 

The stylish attire of teddys replicating edwardian dress.

 

The 2 key shoes defined by a teddy boy.

 

 

The Creep a distintive dance to the culture as industrial dance is to goths, why not read below and have a go...

 

 

A Teddy Girl, and the synomous image of voilence associated to the boys portrayed behind.

 

 A news cutting, showing how controversy always surrounded the interesting culture.

 

 

 

Subcultures, Teddy Boys

 

In a decade where TV was just being thought of and the 21st century was just taking place, it seemed right to plague a generation in a new, exciting and profoundly edgy culture. This culture was introduced to us in drape jackets, white high necked, loose collared shirts, slim jim ties and drain pipe trousers. Calling themselves teddy boys after adopting this Edwardian style era that had only occurred 40 years ago prior, they differentiated themselves from norm society to generate a fresh youthful "teenage" culture.

 

 

Associated well with the East end and adopted by some very influential characters in the 50's and 60's era it was like being in the popular group at school something everyone wanted to be and everyone wanted to be with. Even minding there gang profile which was over exaggerated in popular press and media it was hard to be disinterested. Infamous figures like the kray twins were some of the influential figures who adopted the teddy boy style grasping also their taste and behaviour with music and other past times. they generally listened to rock and roll and hung about in billiard halls like the regency, sometimes waiting for trouble.

 

 

kray twins Reggie and Ronnie

 

Speaking to two teddy boys I found out something that I want to finish this introduction off with,

 

 "being a teddy boy is more than just a "look", its a lifestyle where behaviour of a boy is like the following of a religious cult"

 

Starting at Start

Start is a a fairly influential boutique, along with its owners and in this extract here i will be looking at my report on it in more depth. Firstly i will pursue with the Womenswear store and flow into the Menswear to end with a finale of Mr start.

As you approach the Womenswear store, its already a clearly inviting place with a absent space as the backdrop to the window display, it brings the immaculate shop interior immediately to your attention. looking at the interior more closely we can see that its vibe is to create a luxe feel. Incorporating extravagant chandeliers, glitter mirrors and polished wood and glass. 

Its soo prim and proper, theres hardly a chance you'd find an east end street drinker or chavy lottery winner here. I feel you could be discouraged to shop here by its screaming interior but the friendly and welcoming staff put you at immediate ease.

The continuous connection and flow can be seen in all 3 shops with its expose brick work and building site alternativeness. This is then contrasted with luxe detail and careful attention has been paid to make sure that although its opposites they compliment each other like butter compliments bread. Everything in these stores just goes together like love and marriage, you cant help but feel warm inside when you walk in. Not only dose the interior make you feel warm but a slight buzz can be created with its subtle blasting of contemporary pop music.

Mr.Start is the more traditional. It pursues the look of antiqueness, stronger than the two stores before it. Maroon walls, polished wood display cases and pineapple lamps again fill the shop to keep it from looking too bare and minimalistic. With wall features also there to compliment its stock it seems to give off a more masculine feel. Hidden as well, it needs to make an impact and i feel this is only visible as you walk in rather than as you approach.

Start is a unique concept on boutiques and the way all 3 stores flow together creates a real brand connection. Each store has its unique points that differ it from one another but you can still connect the dots together to bring you back to where you started, Start. Its unique sense also stands it out from other stores with its decor and if you was to describe it, it is immediately clear who and what store you are talking about.

Shop Report, The Village Bicycle (My Choice)

One of the most intriguing stores Ive walked past and approached. I am over the moon i stumbled across this little gem, Its a shop which oozes my personality and definitely represents my style. After almost shitting a brick at the Toy snake in the condensed glass container which is oddly a display case, I began to explore around the shop. Here's what i found and what i found out.....

Its a Quirky shop full of quirky items and isn't your usual place of choice. I love its mix of high end and affordable fashion items and joke products. Its graphics are a real USP and Its name is a real controversial matter.



Above the window display, below the shop fixtures and interior.

Shop Report, Beyond Retro (Brick lane)

Most inspirational and fun vintage store you will find in London. This place is a treasure trove of both old designer and one off vintage items. Its stocks of accessories and jewellery is truly incredible and something you probably wont find at the market down the road (Which is a waste of space).

The staff are bubbly and helpful, their services are nothing like those robotic members in the majority of commerical stores nowadays and they all seem to enjoy working their.

Look at those smiles.

Who let the Cat in?

Shop Report, BlueBird

Bluebird is a upper class Cafe, Bar, Restaurant, Shop, you name it, it is it. I believe this place is too big for its boots and is just a big confused mess. In my eyes it needs to decide whether its a shop or cafe. The decor inside is almost time warped but i prefer the exterior as its truly sums up Chelsea as an area a little too well.

The pop up clothing store inside has a charismatic charm to it. Stocking classic cut garments it truly helps reflect and comfort its customer market. A lot of white walls almost make it seem like you've been sectioned at a mental hospital but its oddly soothing to be around. 

Shop Report, Online Stores

One of the best visualised online fashion sites I find this website a great way for me to support fellow up and coming designers. I feel this is a go to place if you feel that your a edgey trend setting kid, which in most cases means your in my eyes a first hit wonder.

The Worlds Best Boutique, as it states. I cant really say I agree as ASOS to me is the worlds greatest boutique but we can live and learn. I adore the layout as it reminds me more of a blog which you can shop.

As it took and is still taking forever to load I cant really comment on this online store but why dont you give me your opinions. I can guess that it is very asian and oriental but as for its stock im assuming it is high end, edgey fashion.

The most well known out of the online fashion stores, this is like a fashionistas digital bible. With a clean layout but a great visual presentation home page its hard not to be sucked into haveing a browse. Clear and simple to shop also makes it fun and stress free to navigate around.

Shop Report, Topshop

A fashion Mecca and also my employers, I suppose I should say nothing but nice things about this store and company. It is truly a great place to work and it is very rewarding but extremely dangerous if you own a staff card. The staff are very helpful, friendly but extremely rushed off their feet. Topshop is most definitely one of the most fashion forward high street brands and each season their own unique trends are created without completely uniforming to the designers and forecast.

All tied up. The visual merchandising team is probably the best on the high street and I would say competes heavily with Zara who isn’t far behind. From both the picture below and above you can certainly see this represented. Topshop also holds special events social and retail which always attract big crowds.

Shop Report, Matches

Although it’s not clear this was matches, Ledbury Road. Unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take pictures inside even the customer couldn’t take a picture of a product that had her interest. But I can tell you that it is extremely modern, White and the poses of the mannequins are very editorial. The staff were kind but god forbid for anything to walk, crash or hit that glass fronting.

Shop Report, Oxfam Boutique

Oxfam Boutique a store which i didnt really understand. Relating to the area I thought the contents would be like a treasure trove but i was shocked to find a river island pair of shoes and a new look jumper. Boutique really? However the vibe instore was very pleasent and the decor was immaculate and clean.

Shop Report, Hoxton Boutique

I think you tutors are sending us on a wild goose chase. I had the embarrassing job of ringing a very scary door bell and finding out that Hoxton Boutique shut down a year ago. I still thought the door was very interesting and reflected the area well.

"Hoxton Boutique"

Shop Report, Dover Street Market

A strict store solely owned by comme des garcon, it’s hard not to feel intimidated by its quintessential clientele and snotty members of staff. This place is too far up its arse and needs a renovation quickly. Warehouse chic died ages ago. One perk to this snobby showcase is that its great for celeb spotting. I had the pleasure of bumping into magician impossible himself, dynamo. EXCITING!

 

Shop Report, Browns

Browns, British Fashions Show Case Space. 3 stores all opposite eachother an unusual set up but strangely it works and oddly each shop represents itself differently. The staff were pleasureable for once and i was able to have a joke with them :o !

 

Can you name the famous fashion faces?

 

The Layout surprised me in each shop Browns Focus was very dark, underground and moody where as the Browns store was minimalistic, with elegant feature walls.

Shop Report, Libertys

My favourite of the london department stores this is truly of expensive taste. Its the type of place that makes you think twice before you pick an item up and shit a brick if you knock anything over.

 

The layout and aesthetics is truly Ye-Old British and the sales assistants have a fashionably morbid style. Its stock is probably worth its rent 10 fold and its customers are probably worth the 10 fold rent.

Shop Report, Acne

My first awareness of this brand was at their Spring Summer 2012 show, presented in the old sorting post office on new oxford street. The sign reminds me of a chemists visual, which i love.

The window display stays very true to Acne's roots. It isn't over merchandised and only represents a burst of its current Autumn Winter collection to entices you in for a deeper look. A great way to increase sales.

 

 

The beauty of a pianist, something you would only see in a store that sells coats at a grand a piece.