Men's File - Tracing the Roots of Style

About the Author
For over 25 years photographer and writer Nick Clements has been a significant player in two distinct cultural realms. The first, fashion photography, is one he describes, with some humour, as “deeply superficial” and the second, subcultural style, which he approaches in the role of participant-observer.

Whether collecting mid-century cars, motorcycles, bicycles and clothing, or photographing the elaborate reenactments he organises to display those collections, Clements shows total commitment to his chosen endeavour. In 2005, his dedication led to a decision to evaluate the subcultures that had influenced his personal style through the lens of critical studies. This unusual turn spawned his first book, Simulacra, and later resulted in a four-year stint at London’s Royal College of Art. In his first year he founded Men’s File with the idea of creating a chronicle of contemporary revival style.