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We Are The Mods: Uncovering Britain's most stylish subculture

The influence of 'Mod' culture on British fashion is perhaps unrivalled in its importance. Elements of the sixties trend can be found in details of almost every staple garment – from collars to cuffs and waistbands in both men and women's wear.

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Via direct submission

Via direct submission

Although the movement is over 50 years old, the British subculture has not yet been resigned to the history books. It's very much alive and well.

Hong Kong-based photographer Barney McCann has travelled the length and breadth of Britain photographing people who define themselves as a 'Mod'. "I was really interested in how such an of-the-time style might still exist now. Obviously, I had seen the odd Mod around in Camden Market or Brighton but after building connections and a few photoshoots I discovered a huge community that still held these values from such a long time ago."

The series illustrates the different personalities, groups and styles of the people who use the term to describe themselves – "ultimately they show a huge dedication to what might appear to be a really bizarre subculture."

The photographs were taken in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cornwall, Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. McCann explains: "As I started the project I got really drawn in and just couldn't resist meeting more and expanding it. It was really, really interesting. I eventually self-published a limited run book called 'The Mods', which sold out super quickly, it was great seeing people appreciate my work."

McCann is originally from London and has recently relocated to Hong Kong. He is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and is now the Creative Director of a Design Agency. You can check out The Mods here, and see more of his photography work over on www.barneymccann.com.

Young man in suit leaning against a red Vespa scooter decorated with multiple headlights and a Union Jack flag, surrounded by bare trees and countryside
A Mod lies on the floor of a cluttered bedroom next to a burgundy scooter, surrounded by personal belongings and memorabilia
Man in olive coat and black hat posing on a red and white vintage Vespa scooter outside a residential property
Young man in brown checked blazer, white shirt and patterned tie posing against a blue corrugated metal wall
Man in navy suit sat on vintage red Vespa scooter with registration plate KGW 455A inside a narrow hallway, with instruction manuals laid on the floor
Two Mod enthusiasts pose on their scooters decorated with mirrors and chrome accessories, wearing classic Mod parkas over checkered shirts and sunglasses
Person in Mod-style clothing posing on a blue scooter with a sidecar on a seaside promenade, with other figures and the sea visible in the background
A man in mod clothing stands in front of a brick residential building with symmetrical windows and a central entrance portico
Man sitting on a red vintage scooter heavily decorated with multiple chrome headlights and mirrors, parked on a gravel path lined with bare trees
Five young people dressed in classic Mod style, standing on a London street at night outside a shop with illuminated signage
Smiling young man wearing a beige coat, light blue shirt and striped tie against a brick wall
Two Mod enthusiasts wearing vintage-style helmets and olive flight jackets with patches stand beside a blue scooter
Young man in Mod attire stands with a blue and white Vespa scooter featuring yellow headlights and sidecar on a London street
A young man in a grey blazer and black trousers stands outside a building entrance, adjusting his tie and embodying the mod style documented in Barney McCann's photography series.
Man in denim jacket with Mod badges standing beside a scooter with multiple headlights outside a corrugated metal shed
A man in a dark suit stands with a blue Vespa scooter on a residential pavement, whilst another Mod rides a mobility scooter on the road behind him in an urban British street setting
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