Adaptor Clothing and Move On Up Blog Instagram Takeover

We have teamed up with Adaptor clothing for an Instagram takeover featuring 5 images which inspire me in terms of clothing, music and attitude. These images were first seen on Adaptors Instagram page and I have now put some words to them to show why they inspire me in the ways they do, enjoy!

Martin Freeman

Seen here wearing a Baracuta G9, Martin Freeman is the epitome of a modern day mod. He's been on the scene for a long time DJing club nights across London. For me Martin represents everything a Modernist should be, he takes influence from he past and blends that with what's happening now. He does this in many ways; from his haircut, to his music taste and right down to his style. Like many I first discovered Martin on Ricky Gervais's The Office and noticed immediately his eye for detail, even on the show, with Ben Sherman Button Downs popping up throughout his role as Tim. Since then Martin has become one of the most reconised English actors around starring in many great films. He's one of the most sussed Modernists I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and his music knowledge is astounding! Martin wears a great variety of labels too from Baracuta, DNA Groove, Mark Powell (Both bespoke and the ready to wear range), John Smedley and of course Clarks Orignals. Always perfectly finished with a great eye for detail, Martins look is timeless and he is becoming a great figure to take inspiration from! Modernism is a state of mind as much as it is about clothes, music and working class culture and Martin definitely lives and breathes this Sub-Culture! He's a polite, talented individual who digs great music, style and culture!

Paul Weller

This image is taken from his days with The Jam and he is seen here thrashing away at one of his many Rickenbackers. Paul has been coined 'The Modfather' by many, however, I believe he is so much more than that! He has taught us all about music, style and culture as well as writing some of the best songs and albums to grace this planet. Paul is one of the last true remaining Rock Stars, he stays true to his words and is a real Working Class Hero. Clothing wise he has sported some of the best looks I've seen over the years. He's constantly evolving and adapting and moving forward taking influences from decades of culture, design and Sub-Culture. From the Hudson Basket Weaves to the Ben Sherman 'Candy' Shirts to the Fred Perry Henleys right through to Real Stars are Rare Paul has been involved with some snappy threads and designs over the years. In terms of music the three incarnations of Paul Weller are all internally linked but separate are enter-ties. The Jam, The Style Council and Paul Weller, all three have given me and so many others a lot of joy. We salute you for that! This image shows the passion, fight and determination that is still relevant in his music and Modernism today!

Mark Feld

Taken for Town Magazine in 1962 this for me marks Modernisms early beginnings. Mark Feld is a sussed, sharp young face emerging on the London scene who will grow up to become the Glam Rock god Mark Bolan. Before the glittery heels, and sparkly jumpsuits Mark Bolan or Feld as he was known was a cool forward-thinking original modernist with a real eye for detail. This image for me marks the start of the Sub-Culture and how teenagers were now affluent young individuals widening the gap between parents and themselves. His hair is short and neat, his leather waistcoat sits neatly under his jacket and compliments the whole outfit. The two fella's behind him know they're cool and are onto something which will go on to change British street style forever. The image for me illustrates how with forward-thinking and an idea of clothing superb looks can be created! Here's to you Mr Bolan, a sussed original follower of this Sub-Culture.

Georgie Fame

I first discovered this RnB genius a few years ago and he continues to inspire me to this day. Another original Modernist Georgie has created some superb tracks over his time as a musician. He was a resident performer at The Flamingo Jazz Club in London, it doesn't get much more Mod than that! Seen here with a fag in his mouth and sat at his piano Georgie was always the epitome of cool! He creates a simple look here with a plain Button Down on with the sleeves rolled up, cool! I've always believed he is one of the unsung heroes of this Sub-Culture, however, he is still widely appreciated today with Universal Music producing a 5CD Boxset on his work from 63-66 see our review for more on that. This photograph was most likely taken during a recording session of Georgie's where he penned some great music. From 'Yeh, Yeh' to 'Sitting in the Park' Georgie's music is full of soul and fine sounds and is great to dance to. An icon from the early beginnings of the scene! Even my Nan likes him, and she doesn't like much of my music!

The Specials

One of the most iconic bands of the 1980's and beyond, The Specials were one of the bands at the centre of the 2Tone movement. They captured life of a generation with hard-hitting lyrics of social realism twined with a Jamaican SKA sound. Always well dressed, the lads look particularly cool here with three button jackets and close haircuts galore they pin down the Rude Boy/Mod look perfectly with real working class attitude. Penning some of the most era-defining songs of all time The Specials continue to influence every generation who discovers them. Their music is particularly relevant today with the Tory Government we have! I wish we still had bands like this combining the SKA sound with working class British values and ideas. Terry Hall and co still tour to this day and pull in huge crowds filled with many generations. I was lucky enough to see them in 2013 and they were fantastic! This image also shows the two sides to the Mod Revival movement, the 2Tone side and the revival band side with the likes of The Jam, Secret Affair and The Chords. The Specials along with The Beat, Madness and The Selecter were a movement entirely on their own and wrote some of the best songs of the late 70's and early 90's. I dedicate this post to Brad, a superb drummer and a fine gentleman, RIP mate gone too soon! X