A celebration of the Style created by British Sub Cultures

Forget about your ‘Jets’, ‘Sharks’ or ‘Greasers’ if your looking for stylish influential sub cultures look no further then good ole Blighty. From the birth of the teenager, never really know what that phrase means, Britain has lead the waves, when it has comes to well dressed street pop culture which has left a long lasting legacy in its satorial wake.

As a mark of respect to these unmistakable style tribes, Guide London have produced an all you need to know guide to them. Check it out below.

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How to Pack & Travel Efficiently

Planning a well-earned weekend escape and already debating what you want to pack vs. what you’ll actually wear? Co-Founder of Carl Friedrik, Niklas Oppermann suggests the 333 Packing Method which ‘is great for those with busy schedules, who need to pack minimally into a weekender or backpack, ensuring they are lighter on their journeys.” You choose three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes, then mix and match to create a variety of outfits which helps to minimise overpacking, reduce luggage bulk, and streamline your wardrobe choices.” And for the journey itself – Carl Friedrik’s collection of premium travel accessories is here to elevate your experience. “Our functionality-forward range of travel bags and luggage is designed with these types of on-the-go travellers in mind. Practical features such as padded laptop compartments, multi-size organisational pockets and space-saving compression pads make packing feel effortless. Investing in a premium travel bag or suitcase that will serve you for years to come is essential because it complements and facilitates the 333 packing method” says Niklas Oppermann, co-founder of Carl Friedrik.

Carl Friedrik’s ensures you travel in comfort and style with their functional range of bags perfectly designed for short weekends. They include:
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Weekenders – Ideal for those planning a 48-72 hour trip.
  • The Compact weekender  (24L) – designed to fit all your weekend essentials. Made from durable premium black nylon and features a functional slip pocket that allows you to quickly retrieve important items on the go.
  • The Palissy weekender (30L) offers a spacious main compartment that can fit several outfits, and three open fabric pockets: a wallet, passport or keys. With a 40mm wide shoulder strap for carrying flexibility.
  • The Granville Weekender (33L) – a generous capacity and a refined appearance. With  an array of pockets, including a large exterior window pocket, it’s perfect for organising daily and overnight accessories.

 

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Backpacks
Carl Friedrik’s Move range is designed for modern travellers and  combines timeless style with travel-ready functionality. Each piece is crafted from 100% recycled premium nylon, featuring a matte finish and a coarse weave that conceals blemishes while offering a luxurious touch. Available in black and the newly launched navy.
  • And not to forget, the Traverse Backpack (27L) – the most voluminous backpack, has the capacity for up to 3 days of travel, so you can stop worrying about packing space.

The North Face Launches “Red Box” – A Bold New Chapter in Lifestyle Wear

For over half a century, The North Face has been synonymous with exploration, resilience, and iconic outerwear. Now, the legendary brand is channeling that heritage into a new direction with the launch of Red Box – a lifestyle collection designed for those who Never Stop Exploring, even in the everyday.

Inspired by the irreverent spirit of the 70s and the bold attitude of the 90s, Red Box redefines what it means to wear your adventure. This isn’t technical outerwear repurposed for the street. This is sportswear conceived from the ground up with streetwear confidence and expedition-ready roots.

A Daily Uniform for the Untamable. Red Box is for the renegades — the ones whose journeys don’t stop at the trailhead. The collection leans into relaxed, oversized fits, high-quality construction, and that unmistakable North Face durability. Think premium materials, warm undertones, and garments built to be layered, worn, and lived in.

Signature touches like branded antique silver snaps, Vislon zips, and the instantly recognizable 30mm Red Box woven label lend authenticity and distinction to each piece.

Anchored by a carefully curated selection of pieces, Red Box is both a tribute and an evolution — classic silhouettes reimagined for the modern explorer.

Red Box Down Jacket – Vintage-inspired, snap-closure, and effortlessly cool. The kind of jacket that bridges alpine legacy with urban minimalism.

Red Box Coaches Jacket – Waterproof, layer-ready, and steeped in retro attitude. A nod to the early eras of North Face adventure gear.

Red Box Packable Hooded Wind Jacket – Lightweight and built for motion, this windbreaker riffs on ‘90s vibes while staying thoroughly modern.

Red Box Hoodie – A classic staple reengineered with a premium fit and crafted from Climate Conscious Cotton.

Red Box Short Sleeve Tee – Heavyweight, 100% Climate Conscious Cotton, and as soft as it is substantial.

Red Box Packable Wind Pants – Lightweight, wind-resistant, and ideal for travel or trail, thanks to innovative WINDWALL fabric.

Red Box Sweatpants – Utility meets comfort, with bungee cord cuffs, practical pockets, and a fabric blend that’s better for the planet.

Red Box isn’t a limited capsule or seasonal experiment. It’s a permanent fixture in The North Face ecosystem — a consistent, elevated option for those who want their daily uniform to say as much about who they are as where they’ve been.

Whether you’re chasing mountain air or pavement heat, Red Box ensures you look the part, feel the comfort, and carry the legacy.

How celebrities and social media are shaping British men’s fashion

We all seek ways to stay on top of the latest trends – but who and what is inspiring British men today?  From formal looks to off-duty fits, celebrities are setting the tone for men’s fashion and British men are taking note. 

A new survey of 500 British men, conducted on behalf of M&S, reveals that celebrity influence is driving purchasing decisions. More than two in five men (46%) have been inspired to buy an item of clothing or accessory because their style icon wore something similar. This number rose to 63% among 25–34-year-olds. 

Where British men look to for style inspiration has changed. Once dominated by red carpet events and magazines, social media now influences this generation of style-conscious men. 

The survey found that one in three (33%) British men reference social media as a source of fashion inspiration, showing how platforms like Instagram and TikTok now shape buying decisions in real time. Only one in five (21%) selected TV and film, while just 7% said they still seek style advice from the red carpet.  

The survey crowned football personality, David Beckham, as the most stylish male celebrity, with 38% of respondents selecting him as their fashion icon. 

Mitch Hughes, menswear director at M&S, explainsBeckham’s enduring allure: 

“David Beckham has been at the forefront of men’sfashion trends for years. His ability to transition between styles, from smartwear to athleisure,makes him aspirational yet accessible for manygenerations – a true all-rounder when it comes to style inspiration.” 

While Beckham takes the top spot overall, the runners-up shift depending on age group. 16–34-year-olds rank singer-cum-actor Harry Styles second (43%). Mitch illustrates his recognisableaesthetic:  

“Harry Styles is celebrated for his bold, expressive, boundary-breaking style. He blends traditionally masculine and feminine elements, embracing fashion as self-expression. Think of the sequined jumpsuits he wears on tour or red carpet looks thathave seen him pair high-waisted trousers with a sheer, ruffled blouse.”  

Men over 35, however, favour actor Idris Elba (59%), reflecting a preference for classic sophistication. 

“Idris Elba’s wardrobe adapts seamlessly and is versatile. From a perfectly tailored suit with a subtle modern twist or structured casual in neutral tones like black and navy, Idris’ look is always polished and never overdone.”  

Undeniably, David Bowie has left a legacy on menover the age of 35. 43% selected the late singer-songwriter and actor as the most stylish male celebrity.  

According to survey respondents, confidence is what makes a male style icon. More than a quarter (28%) of British men believe that self-assurance defines great style. 

It’s therefore no surprise that both Beckham and Styles are admired for their self-assurance, with 42% of respondents crediting Beckham’s confidence as his strongest asset and 40% saying the same of Styles. 

Mitch comments:  

“Fashion plays an important role in a celebrity’s brand identity. Confidence is what separates those who wear clothes from those we view as icons.Harry Styles is a prime example of somebody whoinfluences trends through simply owning his personal style.”  

Simon Carter – Textual conversations

Mr Simon Carter

The one, the only Mr Simon Carter

 

British croquet champion, classic car collector and connoisseur Simon Carter’s inimitable blend of British elegance and practicality, tradition and panache have won him a dedicated following, which counts Gary Oldman, Will Smith, Jonathan Ross and Robert Downey Jnr  plus a rather thriving label, thank you very nicely.

From humble beginnings, the brand was founded when Carter was still a student and gradually moved from brooches, to cufflinks to watches and today includes a suiting line as well as luggage aswell as jewellery. So he’s not just the “King of Cufflinks”, anymore.

plus if all that wasn’t enough 2025 sees Simon and his signature brand celebrate 40 years ! How can that be ? Plus, something that can’t be underestimated, he has seen recessions and booms and and trends come and go !

Anyway enough of me, you want to read what the man himself has to say, not me. So please enjoy the pearls of wisdom from Mr Simon Carter ;

 

If you could have invented anything what would it be?

The wheel – think of the licensing deals.

 

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret?

That I only had one day left to live and that I didn’t eat enough potted shrimps because I wouldn’t have to worry about the butter.

 

What’s your favourite piece of clothing?

A pair of vintage Chelsea Boots by Alan McAfee of Dover Street

 

If you could only wear one brand/Designer (Other then yourself) for the rest of your life who would it be? Why?

Seek out and only wear utility clothing from the 1940’s because it is so well designed and hard wearing.

 

Who is your style icon? Why?

King Charles because he always looks stylish. He rarely looks fashionable.

 

Can you tie a bow tie ? If yes, who taught you ?

Yes – I taught myself.

 

What piece of style advise do you live by ?

Style is what you make it. Fashion is dictated by others.

 

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101?

Baseball caps

 

Who would do you ideal diner guests and why?

Quentin Crisp for gently bitchy conversation, Jo Brand because she is so funny and Christopher Lee because he is stylish and interesting. He also has an amazing voice – I want him to say ‘pass the salt please’.

 

How did you get into the industry, what was your big break?

 

It was a hobby and began with 100 brooches for men. I tried the whole of the Kings Road and hadn’t sold a single one. At the last minute a fabulous jewellers called Cobbler & Bellamy brought 50. That was the lucky break.

 

 

If you could collaborate with one brand (Who you currently aren’t) who would it be and why?

 

The V&A Museum – beauty and history what more do you want.