Brighton Museum & Art Gallery has opened its latest exhibition, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958–66, inviting visitors to step back into one of the most stylish eras in British culture.
Sponsored by Brighton Mod brand Ben Sherman, it features over 35 mannequins styled in rare, early Mod fashion from Roger K. Burton’s acclaimed vintage collection, offering a unique chance to get up close to the bold designs that rocked the 60s fashion scene. With over 50 years of experience, Burton has styled films like Quadrophenia and Absolute Beginners and collaborated with icons like David Bowie, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones.
Mart Pel, Curator of Fashion and Textiles at Brighton Museum, said, “The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958–66 is about more than fabric – it’s about the energy and edge of a youth movement that refused to follow the rules. In the wake of post-war austerity, Mods turned their backs on the drabness of the past and embraced a bold, new identity, with clean lines, vivid colours, and a sense of optimism that spoke volumes. They weren’t just dressing up, but redefining what it meant to be young and British.”
The exhibition highlights the designers who brought the Mod look to life, from razor-sharp suits to punchy prints and precise tailoring. It shines a spotlight on the creativity and bold design that defined Mod fashion, while also honouring Brighton’s special place in the story of this iconic youth movement.
As the headline sponsor, Ben Sherman is reaffirming its connection to Mod culture in the city where it began. As part of the collaboration, a special installation titled Ben Sherman: The Decades will open on 23 May in the museum’s Fashion Gallery. Interactive elements, accessible via QR code, will allow visitors to test their knowledge of fashion and music history, with the chance to win exclusive Ben Sherman merchandise.
The exhibition and Ben Sherman: The Decades will run at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (A Brighton and Hove Museum) until 4 January 2026.
To find out more visit brightonmuseums.org.uk.
