I'm One: 21st Century Mods

by Horst A. Friedrichs

The Mod subculture has always been about working-class aspiration with an obsessive attention to style and detail the right haircuts, shoes, records, shirts, wheels to live and look impeccably neat, no matter what one's background. From Alfie, The Beatles and The Who, to Paul Weller, Duffy, and The Rifles, the smart and urbane look is revived again and again as each generation rediscovers what it means to be a Mod. Today across Britain the lifestyle is still going strong, and it is lovingly recorded here by photographer Horst Friedrichs. His passion for everything Mod extends from high-end fashion accessories to an appreciation of the subculture itself- endless dance parties, Vespa rides, and a pared down way of life that is best defined as "clean living under difficult circumstances." This rare collection of stunning images provides a sensitive portrayal of Britain's Mod community from the past decade and a unique insight into the diversity of the contemporary Mod scene.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Contrary to what the title of this book suggested, very few of the photo subjects contained within it adhered to what I would consider a 21st century take on modernism. The vast majority of the photos were of dedicated 60's mod revivalists which is fine for what it is, albeit kind of a tired and well-worn road to still be traveling 50+ years on from the genesis of mod culture. Also kind of disappointing when I was hoping to see some cool shots of people taking advantage of the era we live in where fresh, modern takes on the mod ethos, culture, design & fashion can be easily had literally everywhere.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A stylish book of stylish people. They are the mods.

[Carlos Perez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this book and looked forward to getting it. A lot of questionable subjects peppered with a few great-looking ones. Rob Bailey's intro was nice though. Wish they'd stop going to Paolo Hewitt already.

From a photographic standpoint though, the photographer does a great job in capturing his subjects.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's like my own personal stylebook!

[Surfing Moose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed the pictures, they sent me back to the mid 80's and the Vancouver mod scene. Okay I really wasn't a mod myself but more of a fuck up. Lot's of fun times.