With a series of portraits, playlists and even a pop-up grooming centre, a new exhibition at London’s Somerset House explores the visual and musical subculture of the sartorial Rudeboy.
Back in 1950s Jamaica, there was a new style emerging on the Kingston streets. Inspired by American jazz and R&B musicians and full of sartorial swagger, the rebellious Rudeboy (or Rudie) was known for his sharp uniform of crisp suits, pork pie hats and skinny ties. It’s a look and lifestyle that’s been emulated ever since, from The Specials to The Libertines, and a new exhibition at London’s Somerset House aims to celebrate this unique visual and musical subculture, photographing current protagonists of the scene and delving into what it means to belong to their well-dressed clan.
Curated by photographer Dean Chalkley and creative director Harris Elliot (both stalwarts in the men’s fashion scene), Return of the Rudeboy will include more than sixty portraits, and as a nifty additional touch, accompanying playlists chosen by each of those photographed. They will be a pop-up grooming station for those that want to mimic the look, plus bespoke pieces by artisan box-maker Kitty Farrow and luggage manufacturer Alstermo — not to mention a series of film screenings and events. There’s a huge list of interesting collaborators on this project (Notorious B.I.G-producer Rashad Smith, tailors Art Comes First, band Big Audio Dynamite and punk and reggae icon DJ Don Letts) so expect big things. Return of the Rudeboy
Somerset House, London
13 June – 25 August 2014
somersethouse.org.uk
