Bevan Agyeman – Creative Director of Dxpe and To-Orist ©

Akinola Davies – Film Maker ©

This summer a new exhibition, Return of the Rudeboy, will be host by Somerset House. The brainchild of photographer and filmmaker Dean Chalkley and creative director Harris Elliot, the exhibition explores “the style, swagger and significance of the 21^st century Rudeboy.”

The term originated in Kingston, Jamaica in the 1950’s, where a cocktail of jazz and ska inspired youngsters to shun their native fashion in favour of slick tailoring and sartorial favourites such as mohair suits and pork pie hats. Fast forward to today and the influence is still evident on the streets of London, on individuals Chalkley and Elliot have photographed over the last 12 months. These portraits will be displayed at Somerset House alongside art and multimedia installations, as well as content produced with collaborators across the entire creative spectrum.

With music being such an important trademark of the modern Rudeboy (or ‘Rudie’), each of the subjects have submitted a playlist of tracks which will be played during the exhibition, in order to give a sonic representation of the Rudeboy lifestyle. There will also be a pop-up grooming bar for visitors to take advantage of.

Daniel @ We Are Cuts ©

Sam Lambert – Art Comes First ©

The exhibition opens this month and runs until 25^th August, with free admission. For more information head over to somersethouse.org.uk.

Photography: Dean Chalkley

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Whilst Somerset House present the long-awaited Return of the Rudeboy exhibition this June, curated by prolific photographer and filmmaker Dean Chalkley and fashion-industry favourite creative director Harris Elliott, Selfridges have decided to embrace the sartorial subculture in store this month as part of their #BeautyProject.

Whilst the exhibition documents the style, attitude and swagger of sharp-dressing Rudie’s on the streets of Shoreditch or Saville Row, Selfridges have teamed up with Johnnie Sapong, an international hairstylist and long time collaborator with world famous We Are Cuts hair salon, to provide bespoke cuts in their purpose created stylised installation space.

Adopting an aesthetic driven by West Indian and African barbers the cuts are available, for both men and women, take inspiration from Rudeboys, Rudegirls and Rudies across the decades – the style leaders who have dictated such long-lasting trends.

So whether you’re looking for a short back and sides or a beard trim, head to Selfridges Barber Shop, located on the first floor, within the men’s shoe department. No need to book ­ just turn up!

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