RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Exhibition: The Roots of UK Culture Reimagined

Exhibition | The Roots of UK Street Culture Revived

“RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY” Exhibition Held

The “RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY” exhibition, which was held at Somerset House in London from June to August last year, attracted over 65,000 visitors during its run, generating significant buzz. This exhibition, the first of its kind overseas, will be held at Laforet Museum Harajuku in Tokyo from Friday, March 20th to Thursday, March 26th.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)

Rudeboy Culture Sweeps Across the UK

After World War II, many young people from the Caribbean migrated to the UK. Some of these youths, who became deeply involved in street culture, were known in Jamaican slang as “rudeboys” and “rudegirls,” and were considered cool figures in the 1960s.

This movement saw a resurgence in the late 70s and early 80s. British ska and two-tone, represented by bands like The Specials and Madness, became popular, becoming the defining music of the boom.

Now, approximately 70 years after the war, the swaggering style reminiscent of that era has arrived once again as a new wave. Rudeboy culture is capturing attention not only in London but across the entire UK.

RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Exhibition | Laforet Harajuku

Photographer Dean Chalkley and stylist Harris Elliott, who have collaborated for many years, launched this project focusing on rudeboy culture.

The photographs newly created for the “RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY” exhibition are characterized by each individual’s unique styling and personal flair, embodying the essence of the rudeboy without needing explanation. The imagery, forms, and installations all coolly express the lifestyle of the people of that era.

Furthermore, the “RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Pub Lounge,” a collaboration with the exhibition at Laforet Harajuku, is being held at montoak in Harajuku, Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy the world of rudeboy through photo exhibitions, movies, and original menus.

Dean Chalkley
A photographer and filmmaker based in the UK, he has graced the covers of numerous music albums and magazines. He is also a multi-creator with an interest in various genres and styles, and he also makes music. http://www.deanchalkley.com

Harris Elliott
A creative director, he also excels as a stylist and designer. He specializes in styling that fuses style and culture, and his work spans a wide range, from coordinating musicians to directing collections in Tokyo. http://harriselliott.com

RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Exhibition
–DEAN CHALKLEY × HARRIS ELLIOTT–
Dates | Friday, March 20th – Thursday, March 26th
11:00 – 21:00 (Open daily during the exhibition period)
*On March 20th, the venue closes at 18:00. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Admission may be restricted due to crowding.
Venue | Laforet Museum Harajuku
6F Laforet Harajuku, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3475-3129 (During exhibition period only)
Admission Fee | 500 yen
http://www.returnoftherudeboy.jp

RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Pub Lounge
Dates | Friday, March 13th, 2015 – Sunday, March 29th
Venue | montoak
6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5468-5928
Opening Hours | 11:00 – 25:30 (Mon–Thu, Sun), 11:00 – 27:00 (Fri, Sat, day before public holiday)
http://www.heads-west.com

RETURN OF THE RUDEBOY Executive Office
Tel. 03-5411-2288