Categories / Books

London Calling: A Countercultural History of London Since 1945 by Barry Miles

London

A recent release that's certain to be of interest to anyone with an enthusiasm for London's 'underground' past – London Calling: A Countercultural History of London Since 1945 by Barry Miles.

It is described as 'a major and definitive history of the counterculture' by a 'pre-eminent chronicler of the cultural underground', written by a man who should know all about it, being the co-owner of the Indica Gallery, founder of the International Times and organiser of the 14 Hour Technicolour Dream event. In terms of content it looks at the counterculture that sprang up in the decades following the Second World War, focusing on the West End and Soho, from the heady days of post-war Soho. the jazz bars and clubs of the fifties, the teddy boys and the Angry Young Men, Francis Bacon and the legendary Colony Club, the 1960s and the Summer of Love, along with the rise of punk.

Out now in hardback, Amazon is selling it for a discounted £12.48.

Find out more at the Amazon website

Categories / Art and Photography, Books

Teenage Kicks limited edition book by Pete McKee

Teenagekicks3

We're big fans of Pete McKee's retro-style illustrations and if you are too, you might want to get your hands on his new Teenage Kicks book.

It's the book version of his most recent exhibition, which celebrates the good, the bad and the ugly influences music has had on fashion. All 22 paintings from the collection are featured, along with additional sketches, all signed by the artist and limited to just 500 copies in total.

Included with the book is a special etched piece of white vinyl featuring the image Booty and the Beat (above). The book and vinyl are packaged in a special 12-inch record sleeve, with Phil Oakey of the Human League doing the foreword. You can see that packaging over the page or head to the artist's site to get one. Price is a not-inconsiderable £120.

Find out more at the Pete McKee website

Read more

Categories / Men's Fashion

Mikkel Rude 60s-style shirts – new range now available

Mikkel1

We're quite keen on Mikkel Rude shirts. Not least because of their excellent fit, great choice of cloths and the ability to stay looking good after a few washes. If you fancy giving them a try, the new range is now available, some of which are pictured here and over the page.

The fit, cut and design are essentially the same, a classic 60s-style button down with fairly high button-down collar, slim fit, box pleat, button sleeve and single breast pocket. Although this year, there are also some long sleeves in the range, as well as some plain colours.

Check out many more pictures over the page. You can buy the new shirts at Oi Polloi in Manchester, American Classics in London, Storm in Copenhagen and Martin C. in Paris, as well as online at the Mikkel Rude website, although the new designs don't seem to be selling on line just yet (keep checking). Prices are around the £65 mark.

Mikkel Rude website

Read more

Categories / Cars and Bikes, Design and Interiors

Lamponi introduces new range of Lambretta table lamps

Lam1

You might have seen the Vespa lamps and a Lambretta lamp in the past, but now Lamponi has just finished a new set of handmade Lambretta table lamps.

Presumably following the same principle of the past, the lamps mix salvaged old parts with new pieces in the style of vintage Lambrettas to produce something eye-catching, but above all, unique as each item is craftsman made, right down to the polishing and painting.

One of the new lights is pictured above, the other over the page. A talking point for sure, but one that comes at a price – for all that time and effort, you'll be looking at anything from £800. Get in touch with the Italian designer for a definite price and turnaround time.

Lamponi website

Via Modculture

Read more

Categories / Women's Fashion

Embroidered Daisy Shift Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Greenembdress

Finding truly vintage-look items on the high street is always a challenge, but they often crop up in the least expected places. Among the consistently improving fare at Dorothy Perkins is this stunning mod-inspired Daisy Shift Dress.

The simple shift shape has an instant mod appeal with a sleeveless cut and high neck. A classic block green shade is reminiscent of Mary Quant designs, while an embroidered daisy patterned neckline adds interest without taking away any of the vintage chic.

Get it online or in stores from Dorothy Perkins for £38.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Men's Fashion

Fred Perry x Liberty of London range now available to buy

Liberty1

We featured this way back in February, but now the latest Blank Canvas range from Fred Perry is available to order, a collaboration with iconic department store Liberty of London.

The first batch of designs inevitably includes a classic polo shirt (with vintage Liberty print inner collar), but there's also a short-sleeved shirt (above) and a Harrington jacket (pictured over the page), along with some Fred Perry pumps.

More is certain to follow, but check out the initial batch online now. Prices vary, but as a guide, the polo shirt sells for £85.

Fred Perry x Liberty range

Read more