Esquire Culture The Rudeboys
illustration
Illustration for the culture piece on the 1960s london rude boy scene. Emerged as a vibrant expression of Jamaican immigrant youth culture, fueled by the musical innovations of ska and rocksteady.
The rude boys were often characterised by meticulously crafted style, with sharply tailored suits, slim ties and iconic footwear like Clarks’ Desert Boots or Wallabees.
This carefully curated image served as both a marker of identity and a subtle act of defiance against societal norms. The movement’s popularity later became a key factor in bridging with other burgeoning youth subcultures, including the Mods, punk, and skinheads.
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