Well today was a fine Spring/Summers day and Urban Village
was on good form with loads of scooters and shoppers coming out to see us, thanks..
A great photo outside Urban Village, with Pod the Mod looking very cool. xWe are happy to welcome The New Untouchables Midlands Mod Weekender, 2nd & 3rd June 2012.
It's the first New Untouchables event there for three years, the weekender taking place at the 70 Eight Venue (4, Gibb Street, B9 4AA Birmingham), which is along side us at Urban Village at the Custard Factory in Digbeth. The venue is set out over three floors, with two rooms of music and a capacity of 400.
The daytime event includes a market, scooter run and competition plus an open decks DJ session - free entry for that. The evening event is DJ sounds, with guests to be confirmed. Sunday is about the bands, with the reformed Sorrows with Don Fardon playing, as well as the Small Fakers, plus some more DJ sounds too.
More information closer to the date.
All @Urban Village.
If you like cool 1960s vintage photos, check out our facebook page Mod Photograhs.
The group is for all Mods past and present, we will try and bring you some cool photos we find on a travels. Scooters, clothing, music, its all on our hit list.
If you have a photo you would like to see on our group just email them to info@urban-village.co.uk Please try and give us as much information on the photo as you can.
We look forward to seeing all your cool photos.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/230191858561/
Guys and Girls,
It has happened again. November is upon us again and brings with it those awkward daily dressing dramas that have us sweating from too much clothing or teeth chattering from not enough. We can't win! Relying on how the weather looks out of the window before you leave the house in the morning might not be the best idea.....Note to us all....maybe stick a finger out of the window....or just suffer. Suffer for Vintage polyester fashion is most likely what we will continue to do. We've done it before (last winter) and will do it again! (groan, sweat) Ahhhh the things we do for love.With November here, it also brings with it more days when you decide you cant possibly leave the warmth of your big cosy covers, stack of DVDs and cups of tea and with this decision leaves the dilemma....HOW do you find out about all the latest deals, incredible vintage clothing, blog posts and all the other things you love your Urban Village for?
Dont fret friends, we have the solution, yes indeedy.
Sign up to the Urban Village newsletter! We can do a swapsy, your email address for our pretty photos of gorgeous models in amazing, lust-worthy wears, information on the latest deals and what trends are peaking right now.
Its concise and rather than feeling like spam (which is what all the other shops bombard you with), it fees like you're receiving a personal little present from us to you, wich is exactly what it is! (No need to thank us, we know, we know.)
Click on the link below which will take you directly to sign up - on the right hand side of the page
http://www.urban-village.co.uk/contact us.
Don't miss out. Be in the know.
Love Libby @ Urban Village x“Scooter, Suit, Haircut, Parka…
The Visual Mod Stereotype.”
There a 2 types of 'Mod' Parkas. The M-51 & the M-65. The 'M' standing for Military and the number the year it came into issue. Both had a 'Fishtail' which was designed to "be tied around the upper legs...for added wind proofing as they are not, as some think, waterproof (1)". Both have a liner but the main difference between the two is that the M-65 has a removable hood and the M-51 an attached.
The US Parka - A little bit of history.
The Godfather of the all Parkas Is the M-48. A sturdy no nonsense piece of Military Kit hard to find, and highly collectable due to the limited numbers that were made. When the Korean War started there was a need for a similar coat that could be used in combat but was much cheaper to mass produce than the M-48 hence, the birth of the M-51.
The first ones were made of the much heavier cotton as used in the M-48's but this proved both costly and impractical due to the drying time once they got wet. This is the reason why we ended up with shinier 'Sateen' material.
Made in the US up to 1956 and in Germany up to 1958 there was a second run "around 1963 for UK & Canadian specification (1)". No more M-51's were made which takes us up to 1965 with the M-65 Parka – now a cheaper alternative to the highly prized M-51.
Why the US Fishtail Parka?
Most countries have their own versions but it was the US versions which made it onto every self respecting Mods back.
Firstly, it was cheap and widely available. For the same reasons Mods could often get hold of Levis maybe the American G.I's populating the Soho Jazz clubs were pawning their Army issued clothing for Bourbon money.
Secondly, and more importantly, were the dimensions and construction. They had both a liner and a shell so were suitable for both summer and winter wear but they were also fantastically roomy as they were made to fit over uniform. Many other Parkas seemingly aren't designed to get much under them. As a result you could get in one with your suit on and with it being longer than a German Parka, for example, there was much less chance of getting your sharp attire marked by an overflowing London pothole.
The Parka Today
The function of the Parka for todays Mod is different. It is very much emblematic than actually role playing - It is a want rather than a need. Where the 60s mod needed to keep their clothes neat and dry todays needs to show he is ‘in the club’ – it’s very much part of the Uniform.
Of course it still kind of fulfills a role for the Scooterist but chances are that underneath the Parka is a pair of 501’s and Fred Perry Polo – the big, baggy cover all coat again is to meet criteria. Further more it’s ironic that the initial attraction was the availability and the price. Kids getting into the scene who want the ‘uniform’ usually have to make do with a high-street imitation.
Still, this doesn’t detract from the fact that people still want, what is effectively, army surplus. And the rising price of these fast disappearing relics only makes them more desirable.
Urban village stock M-51 & M-65 Parkas - prices dependant of condition but as a rule of thumb £100 for the M-65 & £150 upwards for the M-51..
Sources/References:
(1) http://www.fishtailparkas.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anorak - Wikipedia
If you pop in and see us at our Urban Village store in Birmingham,
you will see that we will be making big changes to our shop over the next few weeks.
Vintage shopping will just get better.
More news to follow...‘Vera’
With regret we are putting up for sale our beloved van.
2.0 Litre, twin carb 1977 GERMAN DISASTER CONTROL COMMAND VAN (LHD)
MOT till June 2012. Tax till Dec 2011. 92,500 km (approx 57,000 miles)
Registered in Germany in 1979 – hence W Reg. Purchased by us in September 2003, from Germany where it had been maintained and garaged by the German Fire Service. It is one of 112 manufactured and used as auxiliary vehicles.
This van is totally original. We have all the original German paperwork and details of the history and fitting out of the van.
The van drives great and has been serviced regularly, has recently been fitted with a new starter motor and electronic ignition.
Recently re-sprayed in original colour to maintain condition, (pictures available of pre spray) and has been fitted with all new window rubbers.
Has been wax oiled annually since purchase, absolutely solid everywhere.
The interior has original seats, cushions have been replaced with new foam and vinyl. There are two three point seatbelts in the rear along with two lap straps – ideal for families. The front seats have been replaced with a single and bench VW seat. Can seat 7/8.
The original cupboards were removed to aid visibility, but the van still has a lot of storage space, without compromising the number of seats. The floor is steel checkplate, hardwearing and easy to clean.
The van has an insulated body and an EBERSPÄCHER heater (which we haven’t used). The heater cables need replacing; we have them they just need fitting.
CD player/radio fitted and spot lights fitted in rear.
We also have a 3 bow roof rack available.
Please call: 0790 420 7003
Mark Powell is one of London's most iconic and influential bespoke tailors. Renowned for his nostalgically and classically inspired tailoring, combined with experimental cuts and styling, he was one of the first to successfully bridge the gap between the traditions of Savile Row and contemporary street style.
Drawing style and influence from his 20 years experience in bespoke tailoring, in 2006 he launched his ready to wear line, Mark Powell London.
Check out his Website: www.markpowellbespoke.co.uk