B Boys

This generation is yet another subculture that has been influenced by dance. This era stemmed from the hip hop culture of the 1970's, the term B. Boy refers to a group of people who enjoy break-dancing. This particular group of people often sport sports wear such as Adidas Original tracksuits, good dancing trainers, knee protectors, woolly hat or base balls caps. This particular style of dance evolved amongst the black and Latino Americans community in the Bronx and went on to dominate the dance community in other parts of America .

Goth

The Goth generation began in the late 1980's, this subculture was hugely influenced by aesthetics such as heavily worn dark make up and powdered white skin, finishing the look off by wearing dark clothing.To add to this dark Gothic look they were often covered in piercings and tattoo's. Many recognised this subculture to be somewhat enforced by dark Dracula gore type movies, they were compared to the 19th century romanticism era. Dark music with a lot passion was the kind listened to by this particular subculture, for example Southern Death Cult, Lamb of the God and The Cure.

Club Kids

The Club Kids were a group of young New York City club personalities mostly led by Michael Alig and James St. James in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The group were eccentric, wildly flamboyant and were notable for their elaborate and outrageous costumes and rampant drug use of ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine and heroin. Due to there outrageous, over the top, often risqué outfits the club kids club scene was hugely popular among drag queens and transgendered individuals. The Club Kids gained international notoriety, and influenced party scenes around the world. Club Kid-themed parties still take place in various night clubs to this day.

Punk

The punk subculture emerged in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia in the mid-1970s. Exactly which region originated punk has long been a major controversy within the movement. Punks seek to outrage others with the highly theatrical use of clothing, hairstyles, cosmetics, tattoos, jewellery and body modification. Early punk fashion adapted everyday objects for aesthetic effect . Ripped clothing was held together by safety pins or wrapped with tape, ordinary clothing was customized by embellishing it with marker or adorning it with paint. A black bin liner became a dress, shirt or skirt, safety pins and razor blades were used as jewellery.

Neo-Victorian

Neo-Victorian is an aesthetic movement which combines Victorian and Edwardian aesthetic sensibilities with modern principles and technologies. Steampunk is also seen as grouped under this category which came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science-fiction, alternate history and speculative fiction that involves an era or world where steampower is still widely used.

Many who have adopted Neo-Victorian/Steampunk styles have also adopted Victorian behavioural affectations such as pronunciation and Victorian conduct. These styles and cultures can be seen in poular 21st century films such as Lemony Snicket's A Series Of Unfortunate Events and Sweeney Todd.

Skinheads

Skinheads started with working class youths in the uk, in the 1960's. They were greatly influenced by the fashion, music and lifestyles of the West Indians, Rude Boys and British Mods. Skinheads have always been one to have strong opinons on race and politics which often caused a clash with Hippies. Although a skinhead-usually dressed in a checked shirt, braces and levis or lee jeans and Dr Marten boots, is a subculture itself there are a few different types, Trojan Skinheads which adopt the original style from the 1960's, Oi! skinheads influenced by the 1970's punk subculture- often have more tattoos or shorter hair, or there is the Hardcore Skinheads that originated in the United States in the 1980's taken from the hardcore punks.

Burlesque

Burlesque is about glamour, performance, vintage and Dita Von Teese! Dita Von Teese who is frequently labeled "The Queen of Burlesque" often wore a corset meaning that her natural waistline of 22 inches could be laced down to a tiny 16.5 inches! In the 18th century the word Burlesque was used to describe musical work although now we assiociate it with dances being provocative and strippers. However it all started in the 1840's through to the 1960's which saw a rich souce in music and comedy which entertained the American and Great Britain audience. The performances would be watched by the lower and middle classes which would involve quick-whitted humour laced with puns and opera music often mock the upper class. Berlesque could also come under Fetishists as a Subculture but i found it really interesting, therfore could be a subculture by itself!!

Harajuku kids

Harajuku kids adopt the idea of infusing multiple looks and styles to create a unique form of dress. Harajuku, in Tokyo, became an area at the end of World War II where curious young people flocked to experience a different culture. Apartments built in 1958 were quickly occupied by fashion designers, models and photographers and in 1964 when the Olympics came to tokyo, the idea of 'Harajuku' became to take a more solid shape.

Different types of Harajuku kids include ganguro, a style that symbolizes the average American teenager and is often inspired by Californian girls with fake eyelashes, fake nails, bleached hair and dark skin. Cosplay is more costume-based and is usually based on a fictional or iconic character from a band, games, movie or anime. Punk style in Harajuku is more of a fashion then a statement but they still wear dark colours, chains, zips e.t.c

Americana

The concept of Americana became popular overseas before it hit home (America). It has been speculated that recognizing heritage, long - term value and quality has created a long need for the nostalgia of an era where it once existed while facing certain times worldwide in the 2000's.

Americana fashion describes 1950's revival clothing combined with Ralph Lauren, deck shoes, ties and nautical touches.

The trend arrived in 2006 and gained popularity by designers including Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren.

Other features of Americana include Ray Ban Wayfarers, levis jeans, gingham and the banded straw hat.

Rockers

Starting in the 1950's, the Rocker Subculture came about due to many coinciding reasons; the end of post war rationing in the UK, a rise in prosperity for working class youths, recent availability of financing for young people, an influence of American Popular music and a peak in British motorcycle engineering.

The Rockers were in direct conflict with the Mods and were often called 'Greasers' by them as an insult.

They were mainly centered around cafe racer motorcycles and Rock and Roll music. Rockers took what was a sport and turned it into a lifestyle, dropping out of mainstream society and rebelling.

They immersed themselves in Rock and Roll music and fashions and began to be known much for their devotion to music - they favoured 1950's to early 60's artists such as Elvis Presley, Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry.

Mod

The Mod Subculture originated in London in the late 1950's and peaked in the mid 60's followed by a revival in North America and South California in the 1980's.

Elements of the Mod Subculture include fashion such as tailor - made suits, chelsea boots, wing tips, loafers and Harrington jackets, as well as clothes by popular 'Mod' labels Ben Sherman, Lambretta and Fred Perry.

They favoured Modern Jazz and American Blues music and also British bands such as The Jam.

Their culture was much about the relationship between fashion and music - clothing had to be suited to amphetamine fuelled nights dancing at clubs.

The Mod era emerged from a desire among the British Youth to break away from the stiffness of the 50's and the uncouth look of the teddy boys and to emulate the more stylish Italian and French fashions.

Their look was all about the detail - 3 buttons on a suit with the bottom one left undone, a handkerchief in the breast pocket...it was smooth, stylish and sophisticated.

Hippies

The HIPPIE subculture started out in the United States in the mid 1960’s. It didn’t take long for the subculture to spread all over the world and divide people into their own social groups and communities. They often embraced sexual revolution, freedom; love not war and drugs such as marijuana and LSD which they claimed were for religious and spiritual use. Hippie values had a huge impact on television, film, the arts and most of all music. Music festivals began in the USA in 1965 where thousands of hippies would attend. “Acid Tests” where the Grateful Dead played became so popular that the Hippies formed their own subculture called the Deadhead Community; other festivals such as “Summer of Love” became the break for introducing rock music and counterculture. Towards the end of the twentith century, yet another subculture emerged within the hippie subculture called “cyber hippies” this included qualities from the 60’s psychedelic counterculture. In the late 1960’s hippies were often attacked by the working class skinheads but were also attacked by other subcultures such as punks, mods, greasers and teddy boys, this was due to political views.

Grateful Dead, lyrics from "That's It for the Other One"

Escapin' through the lily fields

I came across an empty space

It trembled and exploded

Left a bus stop in its place

The bus came by and I got on

That's when it all began

There was cowboy Neal

At the wheel

Of a bus to never-ever land

Absolute Vintage

Energetic and historical.

Absolute Vintage is a shop that allows you to feel a sense of history as it offers aged, one off designer pieces and a huge selection of other individual goods. The layout of the shop immediately draws you in and allows you to enjoy an exciting shopping experience.

Oxfam Boutique

Specialized and homey.

Oxfam Boutique is very different from your average Oxfam shop down the highstreet , it is specialised and catergorised to appeal to a broader and more up market audience. It offers a nice, quiet, homey and welcoming atmosphere, with a display of fine antique jewels and paintings.

Hoxton Boutique

Immaculate and refreshing.

A shopping trip down to Hoxton Boutique is most definitely an exhilarating experience, its small close nit space allows you to really take every thing in and p the variety of boutique brands.

Topshop

Suspenseful and mind blowing experience.

Topshop is most definitely one of a kind, immediately upon entry you are greeted by an exciting shopping atmosphere and lots of options. It offers vibrant and electrifying merchandise as well as various outfits for different occasions.

Browns

Orderly, Elegant, Tidy

With a homely atmospere, carpet under your feet, this is an individual fashion boutique where you can see new designers talent.

Net-A-Porter

Stylish, Dreamy, and Sophisticated

The site incorporates a great range of pieces, from high-end, established designers, to up and coming newbies, to of the moment hot brands. Some of Net-A-Porter designers include Alexander McQueen, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Yves Saint Laurent. Its a sophisticated, sleek website and with its clear, well structured layout its very easy to shop and buy.

Start Boutique

Sexy, Glamorous, Expensive

This boutique in Shoreditch offers must-have fashions for women and men. Start London boasts up-and-coming labels alongside renowned designers such as Miu Miu, Issa and Helmut Lang. They also carry an extensive collection of denim.

Beyond Retro

Unique, Creative, Crammed

The former warehouse is crammed with around 10,000 items of stock, helpfully arranged by colour and, if you have the time and patience, you can literally dress yourself from top to toe: vintage corsets and suspender belts, silk slips and net petticoats, Polynesian-print maxi dresses, frou-frou prom dresses and lots more.

Present.com

Trendy, spacious, unconventional

A brand-new shop in the Shoreditch area with a large selection of trendy menswear including Present's own line. A coffee shop at the front of the store provides excellent coffee making the shopping experience exciting and unconventional.

Oki-ni.com

innovative, international, inspiring

An innovative, forward-thinking website with globally sourced products and a combination of fashion shoots that inspire the customer. Menswear focused, this website is simplicity defined and international friendly with different choices of currency and the choice of Japanese language.

Bluebird

Spacious, Stunning, Contemporary

A spacious, stunning, warehouse setting that offers a mix of contemporary and classic fashion selling designers such as Mulberry, Diane Von Furstenburg and Peter Jensen. This is more of a lifestyle shopping experience as it provides spa treatments instore. Bluebird offers an exhibition of the best up to date fashion of the moment.

Diverse

Romantic, Relaxing and Colourful

For a (relatively) small boutique there is an amazing selection of clothes, however from labels which I personally don't have much knowledge for and are new to me. Some of these designers included: Vanessa Bruno, Forte Forte, Margaret Howell, Opening Ceremony, Antipast and Isabel Marant. Diverse gave a welcoming approach and was very comforting and peaceful to walk round. The service was friendly and you didn't feel on edge, therefore could spend as much time as you liked looking at the gorgeous clothes.

Sefton

Structured, Sophisticated, and Quiet

Sefton's concept as a boutique is to showcase only the very best in British and international designers such as Costume National, Miu Miu, McQueen and Comme des Garçons, however for me, Sefton was a disappointment and I didn't get a feel for any of theses amazing designers. The outside of the shop looked strong and exciting, however when inside there was no vibe and no staff. There was a fashion show projected on to the wall, however there was no sound and the whole shop was quiet and very empty. This made me want to leave straight away.

Labour of Love

Cutting edge, Vintage, Quirky

This London Boutique combines cutting edge, sexy-quirky womenswear with reconditioned antique furniture, vintage tea sets, specialist books and CD's to create a home-from-home vibe.

Matches

exclusive, intimate, glamourous

A small, intimate shop tucked away in Notting Hill with a collection of carefully selected up-scale fashion brands, such as Chloe and House of Holland, where a friendly shopping assistant will be happy to provide a personal shopping experience with the offer of a drink on arrival, making you feel extremely at home in this exclusive boutique.

Urban Outfitters

eccentric, quirky, young

A funky store with eye-catching products and an eccentric mix of vintage-style high street clothes brought together in quirky workshop-style surroundings.

Farfetch.com

luxurious, selective, individual

A sophisticated, chic and organised collection of exciting international brands from selective boutiques ranging from California to Copenhagen, all sharing the same love for luxurious, individual and distinctive styles.

B Store

Modern, Wearable, English

Modern, contemporary, wearable and English. This boutique has a really interesting range of innovative clothing, high quality shoes and accessories.

Convenience Store

Exclusive, Independent, Hidden

An exclusive, independent local and contemporary hidden gem. This local boutique is personal, discreet and conveniently unconventional. Stands in the shadow of West London's Trellick Tower.

Liberty

Traditional, Eccentric, Innovative

Liberty Store is a perfect clash of innovation, tradition and english eccentricity with its iconic wood panelled floor, luxe labels and endless archive of prints.

Not just A Label.com (NJAL)

Clear, Structured, Simple
This website has a very clear structure, with a plain white background, a simple black front, and big quality images, its easy to use and follow, yet doesn't lack interest and excitment. When viewing the garments, you can scroll over the image which provides a 'zoom in' view beside it, which is very helpful as you can see how it fits, the standard of the finish and what materials are used.

Selfridges Oxford Street

Magical, Frantic, Overwelming

Selfridges is your one stop magical store, it has everything you could possibly need that could fill your entire day, it holds clothing, shoes, bags, somewhere to eat and drink, not only that but there are activites you can enjoy while you shop. During the christmas period this department store transforms into a magical fairytale featuring exciting window displays, a range of decorations and christmas music in the background. Every department is separated into its own space often using glass so theres a devision but it still flows as a whole.

Dover Street Market (Comme des Garcons

Muted,

When entering you feel as though you have stepped into a museum, the first thing that draws ur attention is the displays which are in cabinets placed on a concrete floor giving it a warehouse effect. Its not until you look closly that you find the exciting garments.

Acne

Immaculate, Fresh, Clear

As you enter this exclusive, young, trendy shop your welcomed by a big grand piano, placed in the center with garments surrounding, all placed against the wall. The place is very spacey and clear as well as being well lit up with white walls, woodern floor and sofas to lounge on while you shop.