Displaying items by tag: Paul Weller

‘Where words fail, music speaks’ - Hans Christian Andersen – Writer.

According to The Rake ‘London shoemaker Wildsmith is credited with creating the first modern loafer in 1926 for client King George VI, in response to the stuttering regent’s request for a bespoke casual shoe he could ‘loaf’ around his country houses in. A beefier ready-to-wear rendition suitable for outdoor use was soon put into production, and the style was quickly emulated by many more of Britain’s gentlemen’s shoemakers.’

The British brand most associated with Mod scarves, and Cravats can trace its roots back to 1799 and Robert Gardner, a textile merchant and quite possibly the most stylish man who lived in Manchester at that time. With the arrival of steam power and canals Manchester – or “Cottonopolis” as it was nicknamed in the 19th Century – thrived as the centre of the textile industry. In 1842, Edward Tootal, “a merchant in silks and fancy dress materials” joined the rapidly expanding successful business.

Sea-faring history has always influenced fashion - and no object more so than the Breton Top. But where did the history of the famous stripes begin?

In these strange, unprecedented times, there has never been more of a need to escape the harsh realities of life. And for me, and many others, the world of podcasts is as good as any place to start. And for those of a modernist persuasion, or simply those who love a bit of culture, Eddie Piller’s Modcast is the place to be.

1:30 am on an early May Friday morning, in a deserted M6 service station stifling a deserved yawn, I stir a dispensed cup of coffee and deliberate over which calorific chocolate snack should help keep me awake for the last leg of a journey that has taken me from Norwich to Preston, via London.

A classic episode featuring The Jam, performing When You’re Young and Eton Rifles, John Cooper Clarke reciting Chickentown whilst walking through Manchester, and the last ever television performance of Joy Division,

There is one thing that shines through when you meet Stone Foundation’s lead singer and that is his undying love for the music that this band from the Midlands are producing at this point in their career.

Paul Weller the King of Mod has reigned for 40 odd years,Since back in the days of stay-pressed trousers and a dodgy pair of flares.
From The Jam to The Style Council to the solo artist as He is right now,Maturing like a vintage wine the Guvnor shows the youngsters how. 

Paul Weller and Steve Brookes formed The Jam in 1972,
Rick and Bruce joined, Steve left and the three of em saw it through.