Ska legends Madness have played a tiny London show to help launch Ben Sherman’s new range.
Founded in 1963, Ben Sherman went on to become one of Britain’s most important emblems of street style. Beloved by Mods and Skinheads alike, their affordable yet stylish shirts would mark a generation.
Alongside their love of crisp clothes, Mods and Skinheads shared a deep respect for Jamaican culture. Immigrants from the Caribbean took their sharp threads with them, and began forming their own clubs.
Spinning ska, rocksteady and early reggae these clubs would go on to have a profound cultural impact. Helping to inspire the 2 Tone movement some years after, Madness owe their career to these early stylists.
Taking to the stage at The Flowerpot venue in London’s Kentish town on May 6th, Madness were paying tribute to a fashion lineage which still resonates around Britain and beyond.
Playing some of their own classics alongside some choice covers, Madness were on fine form. Turning a ripe old 30 last year, the band played some enormous shows including their own Madstock festival.
A feast of skanking, The Flowerpot show was aimed to launch a new collaborative collection. Madness have designed their own range including crew neck t-shirts, polo shirts, button down shirts and a special edition Harrington jacket.
Uniting fans and fashionistas alike, the Flowerpot show brought together a top British brand with one of their most famous advocates.
