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Style in the ‘60s: Hippy Culture Meets the Mods

We retrospectively examine popular menswear in Canada in the 1960s along with what was going on at Harry Rosen during the decade.

By: Harry Rosen StaffDate: 2024-07-26
The onset of the swinging '60s brought with it massive changes to popular culture and, of course, the way men dressed. Certain styles will always be tied to the decade, though that’s not to say you can’t get away with wearing them today. <br> <br> **Put the “Mod” in Modern** <br> <br> The Mod subculture was a defining force in 1960s Britain, a movement that embraced tailored styles and a love for modern jazz and scooters. Mods were known for their meticulous attention to detail, favouring <a href="/en/shop/outerwear?style=Overcoat&fit=Slim" style="color:black";">slim-cut overcoats</a>, <a href="/en/shop/pants?style=5-Pocket&fit=Slim" style="color:black";">slim-fit trousers</a>, <a href="/en/shop/boots?style=Chelsea%2520%2526%2520Slip-on" style="color:black";">Chelsea boots</a>, and stylish <a href="/en/shop/scarves-gloves?style%5B0%5D=Scarves&style%5B1%5D=Scarves&style%5B2%5D=Scarves" style="color:black";">scarves</a>. <br> <br> The look was all about clean lines, bold patterns, and a sense of sophistication. The movement not only shaped fashion but had a lasting impact on music and culture, with bands like The Who and The Small Faces embodying the Mod spirit. <br> <br> **Today’s Take** <br> <br> The sharp, clean look of Mod fashion remains timeless, offering a sophisticated yet bold style that inspires, whether it be a classic wool coat from <a href="/en/designers/maurizio-baldassari" style="color:black";">Maurizio Baldassari</a>, the <a href="/en/designers/bugatchi/sport-shirts" style="color:black";">bold shirt prints</a> from <a href="/en/designers/bugatchi" style="color:black";">Bugatchi</a>, or a vibrant burgundy jersey twill pant. Top it off with a polished Chelsea boot like this one from <a href="/en/designers/magnanni" style="color:black";">Magnanni</a>, a slim wool tie, and optional scarf to complete the look. <br> <br> This trend excels in both formal and business casual settings, providing a versatile yet distinctive style that turns heads. <br> **<br>** **Peace, Love, & Style** <br> <br> The hippie movement of the ‘60s was a reaction against the establishment and a call for peace and love amidst the turmoil of global events. Hippie subculture celebrated peace, love, and a vibrant sense of style. <br> <br> Bell-bottom jeans, tie-dye shirts, fringed jackets, and loud dress shirts defined this bohemian aesthetic. It was a time when fashion was about making bold statements and expressing individuality. <br> <br> **Today’s Take** <br> <br> Elements of this era return today, now with boxy fit <a href="/en/shop/jeans" style="color:black";">denim jeans</a> and bold <a href="/en/shop/dress-shirts" style="color:black";">dress shirts</a> in bright colours or psychedelic patterns like <a href="/en/designers/emanuel-berg" style="color:black";">Emanuel Berg</a>’s, sure to be conversation starters. Add aviator sunglasses like these new yellow-tinted <a href="/en/designers/tom-ford/eyewear" style="color:black";">Tom Ford frames</a> to capture that free-spirited vibe. For a complete ensemble, add a suede jacket and boots to tie the look together or add some bohemian flair. <br> <br> This look is perfect for music festivals and concerts, casual outings, an eclectic office, or anytime you want to channel your inner hippie to make a statement. <br> <br> **Style Tip: Don’t Forget to Accessorize!** <br> <br> The devil is in the details. A <a href="/en/shop/hats" style="color:black";">hat</a>, <a href="/en/shop/scarves-gloves?style=Scarves" style="color:black";">scarf</a>, <a href="/en/shop/eyewear" style="color:black";">glasses</a>, and <a href="/en/shop/jewellery-cufflinks" style="color:black";">jewelery</a> help to enliven an outfit and personalize it to the wearer. <br> **<br>**
60's Hippie Style Meets the Mods
Polo Ralph Lauren Goat Suede Tracker Jacket

Polo Ralph Lauren

Goat Suede Tracker Jacket

$1298
Eton Floral Signature Twill Dress Shirt

Eton

Floral Signature Twill Dress Shirt

$325
TOM FORD Redford Acetate Navigator Sunglasses

TOM FORD

Redford Acetate Navigator Sunglasses

$590
To Boot New York Atticus Suede Cowboy Boots

To Boot New York

Atticus Suede Cowboy Boots

$740
Brunello Cucinelli Contrast Trim Wool-Cashmere Scarf

Brunello Cucinelli

Contrast Trim Wool-Cashmere Scarf

$830
BOSS Hyde Virgin Wool-Cashmere Overcoat

BOSS

Hyde Virgin Wool-Cashmere Overcoat

$995
AG Everett Stretch-Cotton Jeans

AG

Everett Stretch-Cotton Jeans

$285
Canali Kei Stretch-Wool Twill Dress Pants

Canali

Kei Stretch-Wool Twill Dress Pants

$525
TOM FORD Micro Patterned Silk Tie

TOM FORD

Micro Patterned Silk Tie

$420
**<hr>** <br> **What Was Happening at Harry’s?** <br> <br> The 1960s was a time of great progress at Harry Rosen with many landmark achievements occurring during the decade. <br> <br> In 1961, Harry Rosen made its monumental first move away from the store’s original location on Parliament Street in the residential neighbourhood of Cabbagetown, Toronto and into its new address at 117 Richmond Street West in the heart of the city’s bustling business district. <br> <br> The new store was considerably larger than the original location and this was quite a gamble for Harry Rosen, though he was steadfast in his belief the store would appeal to the denizens of Bay Street – Toronto's financial capital – and achieve success. Of course, Harry’s bet paid off. <br> <br> In 1962, Harry Rosen engaged with advertising executives to spread the word about his premium menswear store and thus, the *Ask Harry* series was born. Full-length advertisements for Harry Rosen were published on page A3 of the <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com" style="color:black";"> Globe and Mail</a> newspaper every Tuesday, iconic for their humour and wit. <br> <br> By the end of the ‘60s, Harry Rosen had built the largest specialty menswear store in Canada, setting the foundations for the adventurous and enterprising future to come. <br> <br> <br>
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