Mojo King shop in Cardiff

If you're on the look out for mod-styled clothing and accessories in South Wales, you need to get yourself to the newly-opened Mojo King.

Owner Paul Reeves (who also co-runs Cardiff's Fabulous night) has used redundancy money from his previous job to set up the store in the Roath area of Cardiff, offering the likes of  Soul of 65, Gabicci, Fred Perry, Aertex, Baracuta, Warrior and Ikon, along more obvious items like parkas, desert boots, sta-prest and retro bags and accessories.

The range is mostly for men, but some female items are carried too. You'll find the shop at:

Mojo King
Unit 1, Wellfield Court Arcade
Wellfield Road
Roath
Cardiff
CF243PB
Telephone: 029 20499968

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 to 5.30  (but closed on Cup Final Day). No website as yet, but you can get an interior shot of the shop over the page.

Ruby retro scooter helmets

If you have cash to burn and want to invest it in some stylish headwear for your scooter or motorbike, you should check out the retro Pavillon scooter helmets from Ruby.

Designed by Jerome Coste and available online from high-end Parisian retailer Colette, the helmet range has vintage looks, a carbon exterior and plush leather interior. And there's a range of classic and bold designs, including the one above, all with the vintage-style Ruby plate on the front.

Various sizes available, all retailing for around £443.

See the full range at the Colette website

V&A's Supremes Love Child t-shirts

In 1968, The Supremes had something of a makover - ditching the ball gowns for 'street' styling and going for a grittier sound for the Love Child album. And you can get that look with the V&A's exclusive Love Child t-shirt.

Based on the top worn by Diana Ross on that album sleeve, the t-shirt is being made available in limited quantities by the V&A to coincide with The Story Of The Supremes exhibition being held at the museum.

You can pre-order now, with the shirts shipping from mid-May. Could be one of the t-shirts to be seen in this summer - and it retails in various sizes for just £18.

Find out more at the V&A website

Via Retro To Go

The Prisoners - Rare & Unissued CD

Originally released (in limited numbers) on vinyl in 1988 on Billy Childish’s Hangman label, Rare & Unissued by The Prisoners gets a welcome reissue this week from Big Beat through Ace Records.

Rare & Unissued brings together all the hard-to-find recordings by the 'pioneers of modern day garage', but is slightly different to the original vinyl release. That's because Ace has already reissued some of the album's tracks on previous Prisoners reissues - so rather than offer duplicate tracks, there's two previously undiscovered cuts - the instrumental Unbeliever (fast) from the Wisermiserdemelza sessions and a take of Love Me Lies recorded live in a studio some time before the its appearance at those sessions.

Also added are two cuts recorded at a demo session in 1984 which appeared on various small run compilations – Joe 90 and a version Hush - and new sleevnotes, with contributions from band members. You can pick it up now from Amazon, which is selling it for £8.98.

Find out more about the CD at Amazon.co.uk

Fred Perry Sample Sale

If you are after a Fred Perry bargain, you'll find one at the Fred Perry Sample Sale, which takes place on Thursday 1st May and Friday 2nd May 2008, running from 8am to 7pm on each day.

You'll find it 33-35 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BA. Expect clearance stock, end of range clothing and more interestingly, a number of items that were never actually put into production (due to various reasons) plus limited editions.

All will be at a fraction of the retail cost.

Fred Perry website

Gola anniversary Harrier Suede trainers

Following on from the anniversary Harriers last year, Gola has just launched the 40th anniversary Gola Harrier Suede range.

As the name suggests, this is also to celebrate 40 years of the Harrier, with the leather swapped for suede and with four colour ranges to choose from - all faithful to the original 1968 design.

Every pair comes in a 'vintage' orange box and commemorative leaflet, selling for just £35 per pair.

Find out more at the Cazual website

Via Retro To Go

French Connection mini dress

New summer collections on the high street means mini dresses are currently ten-a-penny again. If you're looking for an authentic retro style then look no further than French Connection.

This block dress is a great Mod reproduction, with a simple structured A-line shape. The high scoop neck and it's contrast colour detailing really make this just sharp enough to look the perfect modernist dress.

Get it online or in UK stores for £60 now.

Find out more at the FCUK website

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APC Checked Harrington jacket

Yes, yet another Harrington jacket - this time the Checked Harrington jacket from Parisian label APC.

A bit bolder than your average jacket with that navy and purple check, this 100 per cent cotton jacket has a full zip front, button fastening collar, two waist pockets and ribbed cuffs and waist.

Yours for £140.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Fred Perry's Terry Hall V-neck sweater

Coming in September is the latest fashion collaboration from Fred Perry - the Terry Hall-inspired V-neck sweater.

It's based on the one that Hall wore in a copy of The Face (the first edition), a late 70s version with oversized Laurel and a deeper V, but keeping the original shape.

It will be made in pure British lambs wool in a choice of black or maroon in a quantity of just 500.  And that's a worldwide figure - so expect demand to be high when it officially launches in September.

Fred Perry website

Via Retro To Go

What do you want on the site?

We're about to start our re-design of the website and to go along with it, we want to stick up a load of new content. We hope to expand and improve existing sections, but we need to know specifically what you are interested in.

Do you want more listings? More news? More reviews? And if so - what kind of reviews do you want - clubs, events, films, books, music or anything else?

And do you want more articles - and if so, what kind of articles? And who do you want us to interview? Or perhaps you want something more technical - like a radio station or downloads? Would you be interest in well-designed merchandising?

Please let us know your thoughts abut the above and anything else by contacting the site or leaving a comment below. And if you fancy contributing in any way at all, we're ALWAYS happy to hear from you.

Contact the site

Independent record shops team up

The recent demise of many independent record shops is very much mourned by the vintage music collectors amongst us, and indeed amongst most music lovers. So it is heartening to see them teaming up in order to stay relevant and financially viable in today's market place.

The Coalition of UK Indie Stores is a trade body which will fight for the interests of independent music shops across the UK. An initial grouping includes 15 of the larger stores, notably including London's Rough Trade and Sister Ray, Piccadilly in Manchester, 1Up in Aberdeen, and Jumbo in Leeds. The body will be run in turn by each of the participating shops. The coalition officially launches this Saturday 19 April, a day that has been declared the inaugural "Record Store Day" in the UK, Record Store Day is an American idea which has gained huge support over there in recent years. This awareness-raising campaign day hopes to express the allure of the local record shop and looks to capture both artist and public imagination. Many shops are having live in-store gigs as part of the celebrations.

We at Modculture say head down to your local store this Saturday and spend a few pounds on that soul/blues/jazz (delete as appropriate) compilation you've been meaning to pick up for some time now.

APC slim-fit cardigans

Liking the new slim-fit cardigans from APC.

Both are high-fastening, made of 100 per cent cotton, with the tennis cardigan featuring the white tipping and chest cuff. while the plain cardigan has an extra-wide collar and intricate link stitch detailing.

The tennis cardigan retails for £109.99l while the plain cardigan sells for £114.99.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Sir Peter Blake limited edition Pop t-shirt

Regular readers will know we are big fans of the work of Sir Peter Blake, so no surprise to see this Sir Peter Blake Pop limited edition t-shirt featured.

It's also great value and a superb design - typical Blake with the bold target and star motifs amongst other imagery, combining to form the word 'Pop' on a grey t-shirt background.

Sold with a certificate and in a gift box in just about every size imaginable, it retails for £29.

Find out more at the Ink-d website

Via Retro To Go

Hartford tailored-fit check shirt

I cant say I'm familiar with French label Hartford, but Oi Polloi currently has some stock in, including slim-fit chinos, retro-styled polo shirts and this Hartford tailored-fit check shirt.

Unusual for the cut really a very slim, body-hugging cut, along with double button cuff, chest pocket and made from a light cotton fabric.

Available online or in the store, priced at £79.99.

Oi Polloi website

Tara Jarmon 60s-inspired coats

Last week we featured a 60s-styled dress from Tara Jarmon. And if you liked that, there's a good chance you'll love these 60s-inspired coats from the same designer.

The 'orange' coat is three-quarter sleeved, approximately 35 inches in length, with a chunky belt and made with a touch of lycra for fit and comfort. The 'yellow' coat has three yellow and gold buttons as well as a collar button, measuring around 33 inches from the nape of the neck to the hem.

Prices are £290 for the orange, £265 for the yellow.

Find out more at the Jem Boutique website

Falke three-button knitted polo shirt

If you fancy a change from John Smedley, you have a look at the Falke three-button knitted polo shirt.

Very much in the style of the Smedley classic, it features the three-button placket, side tab and a durable yarn that's cotton in the inside and wool on the outside.

You can pick one up in a range of colours for £69.99.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Paul Smith silk knitted ties

If you want something a little more upmarket than vintage polyester knitted ties (and you have money to spare), you could invest in a Paul Smith silk knitted tie.

Choose from stripes or spots in various colours, all with a 5cm width and made of 100 per cent knitted silk, with a lining of silk in the colour of your chosen tie.

Italian made, each one will cost you £69. Alternatively, if you're on a budget, we're currently clearing out both vintage and knitted ties in batches for basement prices.

Paul Smith website

Lambretta's latest Who-themed t-shirts

The Who's collection of clothing with Lambretta produced strong feelings last year, so I'm guessing the latest batch of Who-themed t-shirts will produce similar opinions.

Nothing much to say really, except the designs are above and are new for spring/summer, likely to be retailing for around £30.

Lambretta Clothing

Tara Jarmon 60s-inspired shift dress

A new dress with a very vintage look - this 60s-inspired shift dress by Tara Jarmon.

A guaranteed eye-catcher, it features a pop art design in yellow, black and grey on a white background and is made with viscose and polyester with a touch of elastine for a better fit.

The dress is is fully lined and approx 33 inches from the nape of the neck to the hem. You can pick one up online from the Jem Boutique, priced at £195.

Find out more at the Jem Boutique website

Via Retro To Go

New Paul Weller-designed Fred Perry top

After the success of its first Paul Weller collaboration, Fred Perry has again teamed up with Paul Weller to produce the Paul Weller Limited Edition Shirt.

This isn't an adaptation of an old design, it's a brand new style designed by Weller, based on his own drawings and other reference material, with the aim of creating something 'contemporary' and 'on the money'. Although to these eyes, it has a distinctly sixties look.

Baracuta G4 harrington jacket

Yet another twist on the harrington jacket, with Baracuta launching the G4.

It seems to be slightly longer than the usual harrington, with a tailored hem replacing the usual elasticated waist, as well as a button cuff and belted waist adjusters. Other details include the Baracuta check liner, two-way zip, button fastening collar and button-fastening, flapped, hand pockets.

Expect to pay around £120.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

PF Flyers Poplin Harrington

An interesting twist on the classic Baracuta is this PF Flyers Poplin Harrington jacket.

Available in red and blue, it's made of a soft cotton poplin fabric with a zip front, elasticated hem, button cuff and handwarmer pockets, with a more traditional collar rather than the usual Harrington two-button.

You can pick one up online, priced at £94.99.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Armadillo's retro-styled scooter mac

Remember the Urban Parka from Armadillo? Well, the company has just launched its new range of scooter-friendly clothing - including a classic mac for both men and women.

The coats are pictured above, with the men's Classic Macintosh on the left, the women's Scarlett Macintosh on the right. Both feature a double-button front and belt fastening. And as they're designed for scooter riding, there's also d3o impact protection, wind and water-proofing, Thinsulate insulation and the use of a breathable fabric for all garments.

Both will be available online in the very near future, alongside new male/female parkas and a variety of accessories. Pricing to be confirmed.

Armadillo website

Exclusive 20% discount at John Smedley

John Smedley recently made it into our top five modern-mod labels. And to make it easier for your to pick up some of the company's fine knitwear, we have arranged an exclusive 20 per cent discount at the company's online shop.

Yes, 20 per cent off everything - and there's no catch at all. All you have to do is visit the John Smedley online store, add what you want to your basket, then enter our exclusive code at checkout. You'll magically see the price cut by that 20 per cent.

The code you must enter at checkout is: MDX44

You have until 30th April 2008, but note there is only one discount allowed per customer - so fill your basket before you get the money off. Want to view the John Smedley range? Check out the online store by following the link below.

Visit the John Smedley online store

Baracuta Ben Sherman Harrington jacket

I'm still not sure about the thinking behind it, as both companies already make similar garments, but you can now buy the limited edition Baracuta Ben Sherman Harrington jacket.

There are just 1,000 of the British-made jacket available worldwide, with 400 for the UK market in a choice of red (above), white and navy blue. Detailing includes a Baracuta tab on the front, an embroided Ben Sherman 'Plectrum' logo on the chest, an inner lining mixing the Baracuta and Ben Sherman 'house' check, two inner labels (one for each company) and as you can see from the image, the phrase 'History Is made and never bought' (which is sure to bring strong opinions I'm sure).

There's also elasticated waist and cuffs, button pockets and the button collar. You can pick one up from Cazual (which has a quarter of the UK stock) for £135.

Find out more at Cazual website

Fred Perry mid-season sale

If you happen to be near a Fred Perry store in the next few days - or if you check the Fred Perry website - you might pick up a bargain in the mid-season sale.

There's a few things dotted around the site, but you'll have to browse it as there's no specific sale section. Nipped into one of the stores yesterday and there's quite a lot marked down there - especially polo shits and sweaters - tank tops and long sleeve. All with a good chunk of money off too.

The sale seems to be running for just 10 days - March 20th through to March 30th.

Fred Perry website

Orla Kiely 60s-style leather bags

New for the season from Orla Kiely is something very much influenced by the past - the Orla Kiely 60s-style Two Tone leather holdall and shoulder bag.

Aside from the retro looks, the leather bags have a contrasting leather trim, a leather belt across the top and an embossed metal clasp. Inside there's a cotton stem print lining and space for your mobile phone and keys separate from the the main storage area.

As you might expect, they're not cheap, with the shoulder bag selling for £280 and the holdall retailing for £350.

Find out more at the Orla Kiely website

Via Retro To Go

Baracuta G10 slimfit nylon Harrington

With the weather still a bit variable (in the UK at least), the Baracuta G10 slimfit nylon Harrington jacket might not be the jacket to wear right now. But in the summer, it could be just the thing.

A departure from the norm, it's a fully-lined nylon jacket adding a twist to a classic look. Available in cream, it also has button-down pockets and collar plus a contrasting (elasticated) black and white cuff and waist, as well as a very slim fitting. So small that the retailer suggest buying a size up.

One to buy now and put away for a couple of months maybe, it sells for £129.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Via Retro To Go

Tretorn Nylite 1960s trainers

Looking for some authentic 60s footwear? That's what you get with the Tretorn Nylite trainers, now selling at Oi Polloi.

Originally introduced in 1967, the Nylites were the tennis shoe of choice for an era running into the early 70s, with a distinct toe shape and lightweight rubber sole. Over 40 years on and they still look sharp in either the white/yellow or white/blue colour combinations.

For a former luxury sports shoe, not expensive either at £49.99.

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Via Retro To Go

Mod Cloth offers Mod Patent Boots

The appropriately-named Mod Cloth has just introduced these Mod Patent Boots.

Very much the swinging London look, the boots are made from a soft black patent leather with grosgrain ribbon and white leather trim. Apparently, they're a 'snug' fit, but should give with a bit of wear.

Probably not built for long life, but with a price of $59.99 (around £30), that's not surprising.

Find out more at the Mod Cloth website

John Smedley factory sale

If you're on the look out for a John Smedley bargain, there's only one place to head - the John Smedley factory sale.

As you'd expect, it's on at the John Smedley factory or more specifically, the Lea Mills Factory, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5AG. It's on over the weekend of April 5th and 6th and prices will start at just £10 - so make sure you have plenty of boot space.

View the current range at the John Smedley website

Modern-day mod labels

As part of our stop/start series of beginner's articles for the site, I've just published a new one, this time in the area of fashion and more specifically, covering modern-day mod labels.

Essentially, it's our pick of the labels you can find online or on your local high street, carefully avoiding the target-branded rubbish you might see i various bargain bins and low-end retailers. You know what I'm saying.

Anyway, you might not agree with our pick of labels for both men and women, but I'm sure you'll want to find out what's there. You can by following the link below. And don't forget our beginner's guide to mod books from a couple of months back.

Read the modern-day mod labels article

Alice & Olivia Beaded Tunic Dress

If you're looking for a designer treat with some retro style then you needn't look further than designers Alice & Olivia.

Each of the fashion house's designs has a flavour of something 60s, making them stand out from the fashion crowd.

Typical is this Beaded Tunic Dress, clearly inspired by a sixties shape and style with the boat neck and contrast coloured trims. The dress is available in the UK at Net-a-Porter for £360.

Find out more at the Net-a-Porter website

Via Retro To Go

New retro shop: The Beehive

A new shop in south London, The Beehive, is set to become a new mecca for fans of retro music, clothing, and accessories.

For many years 320 Creek Road in Greenwich has been the home of retro kitsch shop Flying Duck. This is no longer the case as Carolyn and Presley said goodbye to the premises last month. But in its place has emerged a real treat: the multi-faceted Beehive. Four traders from nearby Stockwell Street Market have jointly taken over the running of the premises to offer a unique 'four-in-one' shopping experience. Calneva Vintage Collectibles, aka Frances, sell 1950s and 1960s collectibles for the modern home. Alongside her is Ollie, who deals in a wide range of vintage clothes and accessories. Thirdly we have Casbah Records, run by Graham, who specialises in a range of '60s music genres, selling both original and reissue CDs and vinyl. And last but not least we have coffee provided by the people behind London Coffee Roasters, to help you relax with a well earned break. Sounds like a great place to spend an afternoon.

Calneva and Ollie started trading last week, and the finishing touches to the remainder of the shop are being made now, and will be open we're promised by the 8th of March. Why not pop down soon: and say we sent you, of course.

The Beehive, 320-322 Creek Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9SW. DLR: Cutty Sark.

J. Simons set to close?

It's probably true to say that J. Simons in London's Covent Garden is one of the most significant and important men's retailers in the UK. And it could be set to close its doors next year - unless you can help.

If you're not familiar with the store, it's a longstanding mods' favourite, with John Simons opening his first store (The Ivy Shop in Richmond) in 1965. As the name suggests, its aim was to sell genuine/timeless American Ivy League clothing - a modernist look at odds with the 'way out' look of Carnaby Street at the time. The current J. Simons was a continuation of this ethos, opening in the 70s to sell a mix of classic old and new styles, again primarily sourced from the US market. If you're after a Harrington, an Oxford button-down or a good pair of loafers, it's the place to check.

Original Ikon unveils Bruce Foxton shoe

This particular writer has no intention of watching From The Jam (the Foxton/Buckler Jam spin-off), but I've no issue if anyone is looking a night of nostalgia. Likewise, I'm not going to be rushing out to buy the Bruce Foxton shoe from Ikon - but if you fancy a pair, here they are.

Original Ikon will be selling the special edition Bruce Foxton styled shoe this spring,  a four eyelet Gibson shoe with light punch detail across the vamp and toe. The upper is pure white, full grain leather, with black and white checkerboard calf linings, finished off with contrast black stitch detail.

Bruce’s signature is laser etched onto the white sole and each pair will be limited and numbered, sold in a cloth shoe bag and in a 'luxury shoebox'. You'll also get a photo of Bruce on the current tour thrown in. Price? No idea, but all will surely become clear in the coming weeks.

Original Ikon website

Footnote:
A very similar pair of shoes is on the Ikon website right now called the Wilson. None of the limited edition detailing, but selling for £55. Interesting to see the difference in price against the new pair.

Louis Feraud 1960s dress

When it comes to this Louis Feraud wool dress, it's all in the detailing.

A 1960s dress, made of wool and fully lined in taffeta, featuring short sleeves and V-neck trimmed with navy. But check those buttons and that belt - which use the target design and might just be worth the price tag alone if you have plans for using them on something else.

Just one of these available as a size 12 - priced at £40.

Find out more at the Vintage Revival website

Twiggy bath hand puppet

Not just a plaything, this Twiggy hand puppet is a bath time mitt too.

Available from Twiggybits in association with MonkeyInADryer.com and Frothco.com, the Twiggy puppet is individually handmade before being colour  screenprinted with the cartoon Twiggy design. And the back made of terry cloth - which means Twiggy can give you a rub down in the bath (although we'd rather not go there).

You can pick one up online for a limited time, you can pick one up for $20, which is around £10.

Find out more at the Twiggybits website

Via Retro To Go

Women's Mod is Dead t-shirt

Hang on, that picture looks familiar? Isn't that the cover image for Richard Barnes' Mods book? is it officially licensed? I doubt it - and a company called Fluffy Noodle is even claiming to have designed this Mod is Dead t-shirt by just adding a target.

For reference, this is a women's t-shirt, made from 100 per cent cotton and printed on a light blue shirt. And in its favour is the price tag of $14.95 (around £7.50).

But I'm guessing that still means a good £5 profit.

Find out more at the Buy Olympia website

RSPCA dog parka - with target

Thanks to Karen for sending in this mod-themed dog parka with target, for sale on eBay with all the profits going to the local RSPCA (Leicester).

It's sized as 12 inches long (other sizes are available), has a warm nylon shell lining, a fur hood lining (not real obviously) and a target design on the back.

The coat is being modelled by one of the residents of the dog home - and as such, one of the dogs likely to benefit from a purchase. It's on a Buy It Now for £15.99.

See the full details and more images at the eBay website

Uniqlo lightweight pea coat

A pea coat just for winter? Not if it's the Uniqlo lightweight pea coat.

Available on brown, grey and the beige pictured here, it dispenses with the bulk, instead going for a lightweight cotton with contrasting buttons on both the front and the 'hand warmer' pockets.

And as its Uniqlo, it's obviously not going to be expensive - just £49.99.

Find out more at the Uniqlo website

Send Modculture your news stories

We're making an effort to bring you news stories everyday - but we do need your help.

We need your news stories. This can be just about anything - club news, clothing (things you've seen online or in stores), music news, events, art/design, films, scootering, new band recommendations, cool websites, things you've seen in the media, new books - in fact, whatever you see that has any interest to a mod audience rather than just related to the mod scene.

So we can get things online quickly, we have set up a new inbox for your stories. Email anything you have to:
modculturenews@gmail.com

Please note:
You can still contact us in the normal way for general Modculture business, but unless you send details to the news email address, you'll not have your club, event, gig etc featured in the news section/frontpage (as this area is being looked after by separate people from the general site).

Levi's 307 Sta-prest trousers

Oi Polloi just got in a stock of Levi's 307 Sta-Prest trousers.

In a 'stone' colour, they have a plain front, slim fit, zip-fly with angled slash pockets and trademark creased leg. There's also two rear welt pockets and a small black and gold Levi's Sta-prest tab, tapered leg and a narrow bottom.

If you fancy a pair, they retail for £74.99

Find out more at the Oi Polloi website

Mondrian 60s-style shift dress

Just got a bonus or an unexpected windfall? You might be able to afford this Diane Von Furstenberg Mondrian effect round neck dress.

Essentially it's a 60s-style shift dress, with a design based on Piet Mondrian's artwork from the 1920s, a mix of black, red, whit and beige and with a length that sits on the mid thigh.

A mix of viscose, polyamide, elastane and cotton, it retails from Browns at £290. And if you like the look of that, there's also a jacket and skirt in the same design.

Find out more at the Browns website

Timothy Everest Swank clasp cufflinks

Still got some Christmas money left? You'll need plenty of it if you want to buy a pair of Timothy Everest limited edition Swank clasp cufflinks.

The trendy London tailor has based them on original 1940s Swank designs, producing a pair in 9 carat gold and a pair in silver with lapis lazuli stones. Just five pairs of the gold will be made and 20 of the silver, all being sold exclusively by the 20ltd website.

Now the downside - that price. If you want a pair, it will cost you £500 to join this exclusive club.

Find out more at the 20ltd website

Target coasters in a tin

For your mod-themed home, the perfect accessory - these target coasters in a tin.

Not much else to say really, except that you get four coasters, made of metal with a cork base and sold in a metallic tin,

You can pick them up online, priced at £3.99.

Find out more at the Contemporary Home website

Via Retro To Go