Under the spot light, Cálle Modista who specialises in quality British handmade and limited edition mod and 1960's Inspired Clothes and Accessories for both men and women. Make sure you check out their website and keep your eyes open for any limited edition products, so that way there are only a few of you wearing a fantasticly smart product.
http://www.callemodista.com/
What made you start up Calle Modista?
Calle Modista started after I had made some 60s clothing for family and friends and they had been really pleased with them and it was family really that persuaded me to give it a go. It was something I had thought about for a while but had never really got past the thought stage.
How long have you been making your own clothes for?
I started dressmaking when I was a teenager mainly because I did not want to wear the same as everyone else. Dressmaking and design is a family tradition so I had a lot of inspiration!
What do you enjoy most about having Calle Modista?
I really enjoy all the aspects of having Calle Modista. I obviously really love 60s clothes and I love fabrics, all the matching of cottons, buttons etc. As well as that I love working through different style and design ideas and then the process of sewing as everything comes together.
How did you get into the mod scene?
I got into the Mod scene mainly because I love the music and the clothes from the 60s and it progressed from there. One of the things I love the most about the mod scene is although it celebrates individual style I also feel it is very inclusive and I have met some really lovely people through the mod scene.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time...(not that I get that much between working!) I love music, seeing bands, socialising with my friends.. and a good book.
Some of the above images belong to Mark Prethero.
Levanna Mclean:
Internet sensation and great friend of mine Levanna Mclean has agreed to do an interview, which I am very excited to share with you all. Levanna is a beautifully talented dancer gliding across the floor like an ice dancer, she's one of the nicest people I've met. As well as a great dancer she has a wide knowledge of the Northern Soul scene, going to all the popular and well known Nighters, Dayers and Weekenders. I'm sure you'll get the chance to meet Levanna at an event at some point in the year but for now you'll just have to read about her.
How did you get into the Northern Soul scene?
As a young teenager, I listened to artists such as Amy Winehouse, The heavy and The specials who were pretty much in the mainstream and never really knew or understood what the strange music that my mum listened to. She called it Northern Soul and that was about it. It wasn’t until after hearing Amy Winehouse’s release of ‘our day will come’ that my mum, who had been onto Northern Soul most of her life, showed me the original song by Ruby and The Romantics. Hearing the original really made me think what else have I been missing out on all this time? So I went through all my mum’s records and soon enough I was asking to go to my first all-nighter. I knew as soon as I walked into that room, I had found where my heart needed to be.
Would you say you think it’s something everyone should consider looking into?
Soul is a very special thing and isn’t for everyone, I understand that. It is a state of mind and a way of life, once you’ve experienced the scene; it’s hard to stay away. When you realise that every one person on the scene is so different yet so similar, that is when you realise just how special Northern Soul is. At first, Northern Soul is really hard to get your head around but it is an alternative for those who are bored of today’s music and want something more. The music has heart and it gets in touch with your emotion, that’s why I love it, however it’s more than just a love of music, its appreciation.
How long have you been dancing for and how did you learn you moves?
You may find it hard to believe, you might not. My first night out dancing was somewhat embarrassing and I most certainly was not elegant on the dance floor, but you know what? I didn’t have a care in the world, the music took over and I just did what I feel. That is the best way to be on the dance floor. Of course having all the fancy footwork and floor work looks amazing but in my opinion, if you’re having a good time and you’re feeling the music, that is when you know someone has soul!
What is your favourite Northern Soul night?
That is such a hard question! I would have to say the 100 club because you can just feel the history of all the people that have been there every month for 34 years and quite simply, the music is phenomenal.
What is your favourite song?
My favourite song changes every week one day it’s Roy Merrell – Tears of Joy and the next it’s Betty Lloyd – I’m catching on. I still have so much more to discover!
What inspired you to start making YouTube videos?
The first video was just a spare of the minute sort of thing, I had just come back from the 100 club and it was off to Moscow so didn’t really have time to come down from that amazing night, so I still had my dancing feet on! We came across the slippy floor of the statue and find myself dancing away whilst singing along in my head. My mum thought it would be funny to film me and after looking back at the footage, decided to put it on YouTube with some music over it. I didn’t anticipate such a big, positive reaction.
if someone was trying to get into the Northern Soul scene what would be the best way of going about it? are there any websites/forums you can suggest?
Just listen to the music and if you like it, you like it. If you don’t, that is fair enough! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Looking to try out some moves on the dance floor? Soul Source is a good way and finding some of the big events that might be close to you.
A massive thank you to the lovely Levanna for doing this interview for my blog, as I know she's been busy since her YouTube video has reached half a million views!! To view all of her Northern Soul Girl Dancing videos check out her YouTube page 'IfThisIsLev'.
Alysha Stirling:
After Scarlett's interview being such a hit I thought I would interview another Mod girl who I think influences a lot of young girls with her style and grace. As I follow Alysha on social media sites I always see her dressed smart and looking good, wither she's going to work or college. So luckily for me she agreed to do a short interview for this blog, lets get started!
How did you get into the mod scene Alysha?
I first got into the mod scene around about a year ago. I've always loved the sixties. I looked at pictures and saw how mod girls would dress. I had a few style disasters at first but I got there in the end!
What's your favourite thing about being a Mod?
I love being a mod because I feel different, smart and confident. I don't feel as though I blend in. My boyfriend is also a mod, I'm lucky to have him! It's lovely to have a relationship with someone who loves exactly the same things as you.
Who are your biggest influences for your style?
I mainly get outfit ideas and inspirations from old photographs from the 60s. I think they're the biggest influences!
Are you a vintage shopper or a high street shopper?
I'm a bit of both, I like to rummage around vintage & charity shops to see what I can find. I love the idea of wearing something that no one else has. Most of my skirts are vintage but I love Fred Perry and H&M too.
What's your favourite type of music to listen to?
I love Britpop, Northern Soul, Rhythm and Blues and old 60s rock n roll such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Kinks and I love the small faces!
Who are your most adored bands/artists?
I would probably say Oasis are one of my favourite bands, I grew up listening to them. The Who, Small Faces and Northern Soul is high up on the list!
Where would you say the best place to find other mods to talk to?
I haven't had much experience at Northern soul dos, but when I've been I've always met lovely mods! Twitter and Instagram is full of both young and old mods too.
If you could take one item of clothing and one record with you to a party, what would it be? My one item of clothing would be my vintage fur coat and my record would be 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It?' by the Small Faces.
What are your favourite events to attend?
I love going to gigs and also Northern Soul nights, although I haven't had much experience of them but I've loved it whenever I've gone! I also love going shopping in Brighton, I'd love to go to the Mod Weekender one year
What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?
A pencil skirt, a roll neck or polo, loafers, tights and my trusty Art Gallery Clothing bag
Your bee hive is pretty legendary!! how long does it take you to do & how did you learn to do it?
It only takes me about 10-15 minutes to do my beehive, my hair is quite long but thin so back combing alone doesn't hold. I back comb the top and grip a hair donut to the back of my head, then I smooth my hair over, grip and hairspray! I know it's cheating a bit, but it ends up wonky otherwise.
Thank you to Alysha Stirling for doing the interview and I hope you all enjoyed it!
I love being a mod because I feel different, smart and confident. I don't feel as though I blend in. My boyfriend is also a mod, I'm lucky to have him! It's lovely to have a relationship with someone who loves exactly the same things as you.
Who are your biggest influences for your style?
I mainly get outfit ideas and inspirations from old photographs from the 60s. I think they're the biggest influences!
Are you a vintage shopper or a high street shopper?
I'm a bit of both, I like to rummage around vintage & charity shops to see what I can find. I love the idea of wearing something that no one else has. Most of my skirts are vintage but I love Fred Perry and H&M too.
What's your favourite type of music to listen to?
I love Britpop, Northern Soul, Rhythm and Blues and old 60s rock n roll such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Kinks and I love the small faces!
Who are your most adored bands/artists?
I would probably say Oasis are one of my favourite bands, I grew up listening to them. The Who, Small Faces and Northern Soul is high up on the list!
Where would you say the best place to find other mods to talk to?
I haven't had much experience at Northern soul dos, but when I've been I've always met lovely mods! Twitter and Instagram is full of both young and old mods too.
If you could take one item of clothing and one record with you to a party, what would it be? My one item of clothing would be my vintage fur coat and my record would be 'Whatcha Gonna Do About It?' by the Small Faces.
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| Alysha down the Quadrophenia alley |
What are your favourite events to attend?
I love going to gigs and also Northern Soul nights, although I haven't had much experience of them but I've loved it whenever I've gone! I also love going shopping in Brighton, I'd love to go to the Mod Weekender one year
What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?
A pencil skirt, a roll neck or polo, loafers, tights and my trusty Art Gallery Clothing bag
Your bee hive is pretty legendary!! how long does it take you to do & how did you learn to do it?
It only takes me about 10-15 minutes to do my beehive, my hair is quite long but thin so back combing alone doesn't hold. I back comb the top and grip a hair donut to the back of my head, then I smooth my hair over, grip and hairspray! I know it's cheating a bit, but it ends up wonky otherwise.
Thank you to Alysha Stirling for doing the interview and I hope you all enjoyed it!
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| Alysha & her close friend Stacie Stewart |
Scarlett Baylis:
I did say that the next interview was going to be Northern Soul Dancer but I just got a reply for my Mod interview, so we shall start with this one first. This interview comes from 15 year old Mod Scarlett, she has recently featured in a documentary about Mods called 'Faces in the Crowd' directed by Emma-Rosa Dias due out in the new year so keep your eyes open for it! |
| Scarlett chilling on her dads scooter |
How did you get into the Mod scene?
Through my Dad, he is a mod and I grew up with the music and gradually began to like it.
What is your favourite thing about being a Mod?
It's cool, you're always looking sharp, and you get noticed a LOT more when you don't blend in with the crowd.
Who are your biggest influences for your style?
Mainly old 60s- 80s photographs, they inspire me to pair certain items together. Seeing what they wore and how they wore it originally is how I interpret the scene best. Twiggy was my first hair influence and I eventually adapted it to my own.
Are you a vintage shopper or a high street shopper?
I'm Both! Love proper vintage but then items from the high street can look great depending on how you wear it.
What's your favourite type of music to listen to?
Sixties Rhythm and blues, soul, and at the moment I'm beginning to like the mod revivalist bands, such as Beggar and Small Hours
Who are your most adored bands/artists?
First band I got into were The Small Faces, some of their early unknown songs are absolute crackers! (favourite is 'Baby don't you do it' -the best ever!)
Do you own a scooter?
Unfortunately no, I'm too young, but my dad has a gorgeous 1961 Lambretta Li
Would you say everyone should try the Mod scene?
I think if everyone tried it, it wouldn't be as special, but if they want to then it's the best subculture to choose.
How would people go about looking into becoming a Mod? Are there websites/forums you can suggest?
I found forums such as The Mod Generation didn't really help me being a young mod, but books like A-Z of Mod, and Mods! really educated me properly into doing it the right way.
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| Scarlett and the Faces in the Crowd's film crew |
If you could choose one item of clothing and one record to take to a party with you, what would it be?
My black mac and my 45 of 'Come on now' by the Kinks. the mac is essential and the record is such a tune!
How did you get to be in the documentary 'Faces in the Crowd'?
This producer, Emma- rosa Dias contacted me after Stacie Stewart told her about me, because I'm so young they did a feature on me and I got meet Eddie Piller.
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| Scarlett with Emma Rosa Dias and Eddie Piller |
Thanks to Scarlett for agreeing to do this interview, hopefully she will inspire some younger people to join the Mod scene. I look forward to seeing her in the documentary as well as a lot of other people you may recognise from the scene, a big thanks to Emma Rosa Dias for doing a Mod documentary its long over due!
Ebony Williams:
I thought it would be a great idea to start interviewing influential females from different subcultures, Ebony was my choice for the Skinhead edition. A very pretty and confident Skinhead with a great eye for fashion, luckily for me she agreed to do the interview via facebook and sent me some great pictures to go along with it. So lets get started!
Ebony, what influenced you to become a Skinhead?
My parents were a big influence, I've always taken an interest in the type of music that's linked with the scene and the style of clothing that's worn.
Would you say you that being a Skinhead should be something everyone should consider trying?
Nope, the scene isn't for everyone.
What is your favourite Skinhead social events to attend?
scooter rallies.
What are your favourite bands/artists?
Desmond Dekker / The Maytals.
What's your main choice of music to listen to?
I'd say Ska, reggae and a bit of 2 tone are my favourites.
What do you love most about being a skinhead?
Style, attitude, and pride.
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| Ebony Djing |
How did you get into Djing?
A good friend of my mum's is a well known dj based in London, and at one rally this year he told me he wanted to teach and train up a young skinhead girl to go double act with him.. I've always wanted to learn, and it was just coincidence that i fitted what he was looking for.
What would your advice be to girls who want to get into the scene and also cut their hair, as some girls get nervous about that part..?
You've got to have a "not a care in the world" attitude to want to shave your hair... If you have doubts about doing it, it's pointless
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| I have been given permission for all photos used |
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