The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery celebrates iconic 1960s Mod style with new fashion exhibition this summer
Opening on 10 May 2025 and running until 4 January 2026, this highly anticipated showcase, sponsored by original Brighton Mod brand Ben Sherman, will bring to life the bold style, youthful rebellion, and cultural impact that defined a generation.
The exhibition will feature over 35 dressed mannequins showcasing rare and early Mod outfits drawn from the renowned collection of Roger K. Burton, an expert in vintage fashion. The one-of-a-kind pieces will give visitors an up-close look at the revolutionary style that challenged the norms of the time.
With over 50 years of experience, curator Roger K Burton has styled films including Quadrophenia and Absolute Beginners and worked with cultural icons such as David Bowie, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Burton has crafted an exhibition that goes beyond clothing.
The exhibition showcases the influential designers who defined the Mod movement with sleek miniskirts, sharp suits, and crisp button-down shirts that embodied its forward-thinking spirit. “These garments were statements of individuality, rebellion, and modernity,” says Burton.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums, says, “We are excited to present this exceptional exhibition in collaboration with renowned fashion expert Roger Burton.
“This exhibition not only showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and innovation of Mod fashion but also celebrates Brighton’s unique historical connection to this influential youth movement. Brighton & Hove Museums provides the perfect setting, offering visitors an inspiring opportunity to explore the cultural and stylistic legacy that continues to resonate across generations.”
Hedley says visitors can expect more than just fashion on display. “As visitors walk through the gallery, they’ll be immersed in the fashion of the Mod era. The exhibition tells the story of how the Mod look evolved, its impact on the fashion world of the 1960s, and its relationship with clubs and global music. Through contemporary clothing, accessories and photography, we will transport audiences back to the Mod era. The exhibition will highlight the sharp, cool fashion fuelling this cultural revolution.”
Founded in Brighton in 1963, Ben Sherman has become a symbol of sharp British style, favoured by the Mod movement for its tailored designs and contemporary aesthetics. With its first store opening in Brighton, the brand has maintained strong ties to the city.
Sponsoring The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66, Ben Sherman reaffirms its legacy as a brand synonymous with Mod culture. The new Brighton flagship store will also feature a striking window display in May that pays homage to the exhibition, reinforcing the connection between the brand, the city, and the Mod movement.
While the Mod era had faded by the late 1960s, its legacy lived on. Mods crafted a distinctly British lifestyle in its sharpness and sophistication, yet boldly modern in its perspective. Their influence extended far beyond Britain, shaping fashion around the world.
The exhibition is a must-see for those curious about the Mod movement. It’s a chance to step into the world of a transformative youth culture that left an indelible mark on fashion and society. Whether you lived through the era or are discovering it for the first time, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958-66 promises an immersive and captivating experience.
Step into a world of sharp suits and the unrelenting energy of youth at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. The exhibition will run from 10 May 2025 to 4 January 2026. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Mod style that changed the fashion world.
Exhibition highlights
- Rare mod fashion: Over 35 dressed mannequins showcasing fully accessorised Mod outfits, including rare and early Mod clothing from Roger K. Burton’s collection.
- Notable designers: Iconic pieces by Mary Quant, John Stephen, and original Ben Sherman designs.
- Special focus: Gallery 3 will spotlight Ready Steady Go, the TV program that set the stage for modern music and fashion television.
Special activities and events
The partnership with Ben Sherman extends beyond the exhibition halls:
- Brighton store activations: Throughout the exhibition, Ben Sherman will host a range of special events and in-store activations at its Brighton location, with more details to be announced.
- Talks and events:
Roger K Burton, curator of The In Crowd: Mods Fashion and Style 1958-1966 in conversation with Martin Pel, Curator of Textiles & Costume at Brighton & Hove Museums. Roger is a costume designer, stylist, author, original Leicester mod and owner of The Contemporary Wardrobe, supplying street fashion for films, including Quadrophenia. Roger and Martin will discuss how Mod style revolutionized fashion in the 1950s and ‘60s and its lasting legacy on street fashion.
Styling a Revolution: Mods fashion in the making
The Old Courtroom
Saturday 24 May 2025, 11 – 12pm
Tickets £15
Buy tickets for Styling a Revolution: Mods fashion in the making