OH, BOYD.

The buzz around Boyd Holbrook is something to consider since his resume consists of working with Dior Homme, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Missoni, Fendi, Roberto Cavalli and Gucci to name a few. His portfolio is probably more than enough and has probably worked with more than one has wished for. And if you haven't been around, he's the face for Viktor and Rolf's cologne, Antidote. Boyd was discovered by a girl in Kentucky working as a carpenter for a theater. She watched him and asked him if he wanted to move to New York to become a model.
Sifting through different photographs of him on and off the runway, he is very versatile. He's gone through several looks and has taken part of different characters. Another interesting thing about Boyd is he is also an artist. He mostly sculpts in his studio in New York. Coming from me, liking Boyd is probably a shock since I don't even give any thought or care about blonde models.
I've always been attracted to dark-haired models, male or female, but Boyd caught my eye with his striking eyes, strong jaw line, and like I said earlier, his versatility in the modeling industry. I love it. He goes from grunge-man, to rockabilly, to classy-nerd, to avante-garde, high-fashion, queen. (that's a compliment) Also, I believe his personality really shines through his face and that is what makes me want to take a chance and get to know him. Honestly, he does look like a pompous, "douche-bag", in some of the photographs, but read upon him and try to get to know him better. It might change your perception. It changed mine. (click on photographs to enlarge)

Era Style: Mods (and Skinheads)

The mods were young, well dressed, probably rich urban dwellers that frequented 60's London whose style is the quintessential "clean" look. Its really funny how such a select group of people influenced the style of so many subsequent generations. A mod was originally identified as having well tailored clothing that fit close to the body. As with any style, bands adopted and conversely influenced their listeners' style. An obvs mod band (at least in the beginning) were the Beatles:



Skinny black tie? check
Tailored Suit? check
Mop top? check

The Jam (more on revival side), Small Faces, and The Kinks also adopted the style:


The Jam


The Kinks


Small Faces

The mods disappeared, but their style continued to be adopted by those into Northern Soul/Skinhead movement, Third Wave Ska and subsequently this new crop of Brit Rock (as I call it):

First! A clear up on what I mean (and it really does mean) by the term "skinhead". This issue perturbs me. I had a boss a whiles ago that schooled me on where exactly the term came from and what it evolved into. Jamaican immigrants who immigrated to the UK in the 50s and 60s met with working class youths. They had shaved heads, and in a show of unity, British kids shaved their heads as well, hence "skinheads". They went to dancehalls and listened to reggae. Yay! This was in stark contrast to the Mods, of whose style I am currently proclaiming the virtues of, who could afford to get fancy Beatles-esque haircuts. I'm sure it was way easier to shave ones head. Anywhooss, time passes and these low income youths were recruited sometime in the 70s by the National Front, who are duh... racist. Its so crazy that a look that defined unity among the lower class, no matter what race, was turned into the fashion of a white supremist movement. Its so sad that this look is associated with racism (wtf... why couldn't they stick to their white dressrobes with tall hoods). A typical skinhead look:


Cute! He's got a scooter! (hope he's not racist)

Hmm... the link between mods and skinheads you ask? Progressivism of the mind and social welfare. Mods were interested in beatnik philosophies (existentialism) and skinheads (and later punks) were interested in social progressivism to improve their living conditions.

Anywhooss, history lesson aside, here are some more mod looks I love:


I love this look updated, but I hate cheaters! Die Jude Die! (I mean really, did you SEE that nanny)


Miss Mod herself, Twiggy


Jean Shrimpton + Lambretta = Mod


Fav new mod: Laura Hollins

Ska kiddies with mod style influence:


The Specials


Fred Perry - a fav of mods and skinheads


Neil Barrett


DSQUARED


Dirty Pete lookin' sharp


Ben Sherman

I kind of loathe baggy clothing, it exudes... sloppiness. Therefore, mod tailored or skinhead skintight is some of my favorite elements to include in an outfit.
Next time I'll tackle punk, mod's dirty cousin.