Lloyd Johnson- The Modern Outfitter
January 26, 2012

For those who don't know Lloyd Johnson is a true originator in the history of British youth culture and its's link with fashion. Supplying a diverse range of clients including; Fred Astaire, Rod & The Faces, Keith Richards, Lux Interior, The Clash, Chrissie Hynde, Oasis, and ... George Michael.  Original 50's mod, turned 70's rocker.  When he was pissed off with plastic mods coming into the King's Rd store he changed it overnight into a rockers store. He immediately alienated all the original clientelle and took no money for a few months until the Stray Cats came in one day, and his business was transformed. All the original Seditionaries fans who did'nt like the Pirate collection immediately started wearing his La Rocka range, making it a classic rocker brand. He was still the go to guy for the clothes for Quadrophenia, and supplied bands with mod leanings like, The Specials and Madness.

Paul Gorman has just curated an archive show of Mr Johnson's work at the Chelsea Pace, 16 john Islip St, London, SW1P 4JU

The show features a vast archive of clothing, shoes, as well as original artwork, magazine cuttings (Johnsons was one of the first stores to stock The Face magazine) and the shopfront from Kensington Market. An essential visit for anyone remotely interested in youth culture

Lloyd Johnson is working with another London legend Dave Carrol, on bringing back the famous and highly collectable La Rocka range.

Watch this space...

http://www.larocka79.com/