Nick Clements

This research attempts, through performance, fashion photography and video making and the theatrical devices that accompany such practice, to explore the style of a contemporary, largely male, subcultural collective. The common term that joins these loosely bound groups is ‘revival’ as they appear driven by an impulse to simulate and re-enact the dress, rites and rituals of British and American subcultures from a perceived golden era. The similarities with re-enactment societies are also explored and exploited to the end of developing new style-based aesthetics in male fashion image-making. Addressing extremes in narcissistic dress and behaviour amongst certain individuals within these older male communities, this study also questions parts of established theory on subcultural development within the field of cultural studies and postulates on a metaphorical ‘dandy’ gene. The practice-led outcome of this investigation will be a substantial installation of photography, video, clothing and textile prints.