Return of the Rudeboy, Somerset House

For Return of the Rudeboy (Somerset House, London) prolific photographer Dean Chalkley and fashion director Harris Elli redefine the sharply dressed ‘Rudie’ subculture for the 21st century, using photography and sound.  

The rudeboys are back in town, and they look just right in their tunics and button downs. The Return of the Rudeboy, opening at Somerset House this month witnesses the influence of this iconic style on 21st century fashion. Photographer and filmmaker Dean Chalkley and fashion stylist Harris Elliot have documented the appropriation and adaptation of rudeboy style by contemporary London characters in a series of photographs commissioned for the exhibition. 

The history…

Rudeboy style has been incorporated, appropriated and quoted by the youth cultures of several successive generations. Originating in the sound system culture of Jamaica, which took R&B music from America and transformed it into ska, the rudeboys and girls travelled to Britain in the 60s bringing their music and fashion with them. Presumably hoping for a better life, and instead finding that the administrative centre of the empire was often less than welcoming, they found solidarity with the unemployed working class skinheads, who also felt rejected by society, as well as a stylistic affinity with the more well-to-do mods: the British rudeboy was born!

The exhibition

The show consists of striking portraits that scream exquisite and unique street style. Each image will be presented with a soundtrack chosen individually by the rudeboys and rudegirls in the photographs. To accompany the show there will also be a veritable festival of interactive events, including grooming workshops and a barber, so you too can get yourself scrubbed up and looking nice.