Paul Weller recently hoped that he'd "never be skint enough" to have to reform The Jam. But these words aimed less to deride the late 70s group with whom he debuted than to rebuke some of his peers for pandering to nostalgic fans and commercial demands. Now dubbed "The Modfather" for his massive mod influence on Brit Pop and its successors, Weller still champions musical progression and drive: "I'd like to make the greatest record ever, which I'll probably never do, but that's what drives me on." In spite of his forward-thinking music making, Paul Weller's past remains a source of pride. Weller's youthful fashion sense in particular was a crucial part of his formation and reflective of his passions: "I still love the whole look – the music, the imagery, the attitude, even the scooters. It will always be in my heart." And it's easy to see why. Coming from a time where everyone dressed up in an almost tribal way, Weller's taste in clothes was also his culture. Rather than follow his generation's taste for punk rock tatters, safety pins and scruff, Paul Weller distinguished himself by reviving the subcultural spirit and dress of 1950s and 60s Britain. The Jam, who even recorded an album called All Mod Cons were thus seen in tailored black suits with white shirts and black ties, equally monochrome shoes, white socks and precision-trimmed hair. In contrast with their smartness, however, Weller's first band was often photographed in graffiti-covered surroundings and their lyrics – in songs from "The Eton Rifles" to "Town Called Malice" and "The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had to Swallow)" were characteristically angry, bleak and politically engaged. When in the early 80s Weller disbanded The Jam and formed The Style Council, he lost neither his fashion nor his political interests. In fact, he maintains these still by modelling a collection for Liam Gallagher's Pretty Green label and voicing distaste for David Cameron. To be continued here
