punk

On Acme BOY and the T-shirt economy



Acme BOY The Birth of Punk and Anti-Fashion 1975-1985 by Phil Strongman Cover

Just finished reading an early copy of Phil Strongman’s Acme BOY: The Birth of Punk & Anti-Fashion 1975-1985*. It’s a riveting read with Strongman’s straight-shooting yet humorous tone giving us plenty of insider intel on the fashion and retail landscape of London’s legendary punk power players – Acme, Boy, SEX et al.

I enjoyed this little lesson on T-shirt economics. A tee is an easy thing to make and sell, is cheap as chips, yet it lends itself to all manner of self-expression. As he says here, if you’ve got the right attitude, a T-shirt can be your entire outfit. Very punk. (more…)

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Quote of the day: Caroline Coon



The Slits 1977 by Caroline Coon

“Some people disparage us looking back; they call it nostalgia. But from my point of view, it is ever necessary to remember and never forget authentic excitement and creative energy, especially in times of political crisis and despair. Today, in yet another moment of political crisis and despair, it is good to remember that challenging the status quo is possible and people can make their voices heard. And although at the time such insurgency is often dismissed, contrary to what the establishment would wish, positive creativity counts. It does make a mark. It matters and it changes society.”
Artist and activist, Caroline Coon (more…)

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The Life and Times of Malcolm McLaren



The Life and Times of Malcolm McLaren book by Paul Gorman

This Malcolm McLaren biography is likely to get a lot of attention from McLaren-heads when it comes out. Written by Paul Gorman, author of The Story of The Face, Mr Freedom and The Look: Adventures in Rock and Pop Fashion, he knows his fashion onions and you can trust he will have done thorough research. (I didn’t realise he was still writing his most excellent blog, Paul Gorman Is… Oops, maybe not.)

Back to Malcolm, The Life and Times of Malcolm McLaren promises to be the definitive biography of the cross-cultural visionary whose influence looms larger than ever. (more…)

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New Order: Art, Product, Image 1976-1995 at Sprüth Magers



New Order: Art, Product, Image 1976-1995 at Spruth Magers

Wait, Another New Order post punk flavoured exhibition? Wow London, you’re really spoiling me!

Preceding the Chelsea College of Arts ‘Use Hearing Protection: FAC 1 – 50 / 40‘ exhibition curated by Jon Savage and Mat Bancroft (I wrote about it here), there’s a Sprüth Magers show on right now that ends on September 14th.

New Order: Art, Product, Image 1976-1985 explores the post punk and beyond years of British art, music and design. (more…)

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