'Quadrophenia' (1979) was a film based on 'The Who's' rock opera of the same name. Now regarded as a cult classic, it was criticised heavily at the time of it's release as being too graphic and violent. It starred the likes of Phil Daniels, Sting, Ray Winstone and Leslie Ash. Although set around the infamous mod vs rockers rivalry of the mid 60's, this film largely inspired the subsequent revival mod scene of the late 70's and early 80's.
So why the connection to Football Casual culture? In our view, the mod culture of the 60's and susequent revival scene of the late 70's, set the tone and foundations of which the current Football Casual scene developed it's roots. The combination of sharp tailoring combined with an equally sharp approach to defending reputation is still core to the existing culture. The principles have remained the same, despite the fashion trends moving on.
This film in particular highlighted that association of fashion and violence around a gang culture in an age before the Football Casual really existed. The purists will have you believe that there are no connections with the history of the mods, and that the Football Casual scene developed purely in it's own right in the 70's and 80's. I personally feel that the similarities in the basics of the two sub-cultures are still evident even today.
From a fashion perspective, the original mod culture centered around slim-cut Italian suits, Ben Sherman button-down Oxford shirts, Fred Perry polos and Parka jackets. Both Fred Perry and Ben Sherman are both prominent in modern fashion, but only probably Fred Perry can still hold it's own in the Football Casual scene today.
