Chapter 1: The Resurgence of Mod Fashion

The fashion world is witnessing a revival of the free-spirited mod aesthetic, reminiscent of the 1960s. Designers such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Andrew Gn are drawing inspiration from this vibrant era, showcasing colorful tights and bold patterns that encapsulate the optimistic spirit we need after the challenges of 2020.

Anna Sui. Photo: Anna Sui/Provided

By Claire Turrell

As psychedelic music fills the atmosphere, a dazzling purple backdrop adorned with colorful stars and planets sets the stage. A model, with exaggerated eyelashes, captures the essence of Anna Sui's fall/winter 2021 runway show, which embodies the playful spirit of the sixties.

Sui isn’t alone in this trend; other notable designers are also embracing mod silhouettes in their virtual presentations. The lively, hedonistic vibe of the sixties appears to be just what the fashion industry needs after a challenging year.

Dolce & Gabbana. Photo: Dolce & Gabbana/Provided

The mod movement originated in 1960s England, driven by the baby boomer generation eager to break free from the constraints of conformity and austerity. Trend forecaster Katie Irving from the Moonshot Agency highlights that today's youth is echoing that same desire for liberation.

“The sixties style was born from revolution and innovation, themes that resonate with our current circumstances,” Irving explained. Anna Sui echoed this sentiment in her runway notes, expressing anticipation for the colorful world awaiting us post-pandemic.

Section 1.1: Influences of Nostalgia

Irving notes that popular TV shows like “The Queen’s Gambit,” set between 1958 and 1968, may have sparked renewed interest in mod fashion. This could just be the beginning of a resurgence in retro styles.

“We can expect to see a continued trend of nostalgic fashion during this period of uncertainty, as people gravitate towards the comfort of the past,” Irving added.

Anya Taylor-Joy in the hit show “The Queen’s Gambit.” Photo: Netflix

Fashion and music have always been intertwined within the mod culture. Mods would often ride their scooters to nightclubs, dancing to jazz and R&B, as many of the pop icons they admired were mods themselves.

Reflecting on the era, sixties pop star Marianne Faithfull remarked, “We were young, affluent, and beautiful, believing the tides were changing in our favor. We thought we could change everything, but primarily, we were about redefining the rules.”

Chapter 2: A Look for Every Season

As celebrities embrace mod fashion for spring, designers are ensuring that this trend will also dominate fall wardrobes. Belgian designer Nicolas Di Felice paid homage to the iconic styles that established Courrèges with a collection that reimagines classic pieces like the white dress and go-go boots.

Andrew Gn’s Fall/Winter collection features a bold color palette filled with vermilion, fuchsia, and emerald green, reminiscent of the vibrant hues favored by mods. Similarly, Donatella Versace's collection reflects a spirit of rebellion, celebrating freedom and the joy of the dance floor.

Versace. Photo: Versace/Provided

Celebrity fashion photographer Russel Wong emphasizes the enduring appeal of mod style, attributing it to its craftsmanship. “That era is so defining, meticulously crafted, and beautifully designed; its influence will always endure,” Wong stated.

For more engaging stories, be sure to visit Insider’s homepage.

The first video explores how fashion shows have adapted to the pandemic, utilizing 3D models to maintain creativity while minimizing health risks.

In the second video, a fashion critic reacts to the TikTok Front Row Fashion Challenge, highlighting how social media is shaping modern fashion trends.