Teddy Boy Suit

The original teen rebels, Teddy Boys originated in the deprived areas of early 50s London. Though their days were numbered in the Sixties, the young mods were taking a leaf out of their fashion book.

Teds dressed in a blend of romantic Edwardian clothes (hence the name Teddy), including slim coats with velvet trim, and American rock and roll styles.

Hair was cut into an outlandish DA (Duck's Ass), long jackets were juxtaposed with thin, bootlace ties, stovepipe pants were cut short to show off patterned socks - and the look was completed with suede brothel creepers or winkle-pickers.

But behind the dapper facade Teddy Boys were hard as nails - carrying flick knives and switchblades, cycle chains and razors. The look was so synonymous with coldhearted violence it was used as a basis for the costumes of the thugs in the 1971 film of Anthony Burgess's novel - A Clockwork Orange.

Though the Teddy Boy style was decidedly macho, there were girls who wore velvet-collared jackets and black stockings and cut their hair into a DA.