Parka Avenue: A Mod and his Loft - Parka Avenue featured in Elle Magazine

I have a mental wish list of things I would like to happen in my life. I must say that I’m very fortunate to have checked off many of them off my list. Some we’re big and more significant, like marrying a beautiful and kind lady and some were more superficial and figured at the bottom of the list, like owning a vintage Vespa. This blog, for instance, is the realisation of one of those dreams that, through hard work, became a reality.

I’m happy to say that one more of my goals have been attained this month. (Now, if I could only have the opportunity to DJ at the Euro Ye-Ye or the Beat Bespoké, the list would be shorten yet again. So if Rob Bailey or any of the good folks from the New Untouchables read this blog and have a free spot, please get in touch!)

I’ve always secretly desired to be featured in a major lifestyle magazine. In September 2010, the Quebec City newspaper Le Soleil did an article about my place but it wasn’t Mod related. Read about the article in this post.

I must admit that having a piece done about you in a major magazine is a purely ego driven dream. But aren’t Mods known to have egos that are proportionate to their wardrobe? Even if I’m far from being a Daniel Craig or a Brad Pitt, I was honored to have been asked to be part of November’s issue of Elle magazine, the Quebec edition. In this month’s edition, it’s all about Men’s fashion and style.

Since the Olympics closing ceremonies and Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France, Mods hit the mainstream consciousness once again. The problem is that when journalists take a hold of our cherished scene, clichés, generalisations and misconceptions slip in. Do I need to remind anyone of how Mods were being perceived in the newspapers during the battles between the Mods and Rockers on the beaches of Brighton, Margate and Clacton in May 1964?

So when I was asked to be part of this 5 page magazine spread about how I live as a Mod in the 21^st century, how could I refuse? Might as well come from the horse’s mouth, right? But before you pass judgement, let me be perfectly clear yet again. This is my own personal vision of how it is to be a Mod in the here and now.

The article titled “Un Mod et son Loft" (A Mod and his loft) focuses mainly on my humble abode. When the editor contacted me to schedule the photo shoot, she mentioned that a stylist would be present. A stylist? What for? She was going to bring a few accessories to tie the look together and to make it presentable for the magazine.

Truth be told, I wasn’t very comfortable with a stranger coming in and rearranging my decor. The fear of being portrayed as something that I’m not made me uneasy. As soon as the team arrived, I voiced my concern to the editor, stylist and photographer present. As true professionals, they reassured me that they did not intend on changing the esthetics and that they wouldn’t do anything without my approval.

The team discussing my beauty shot.

In fact, all of the suggestions we discussed made perfect sense. Here’s the result.

The interview part was conducted by a very nice lady named Myriam. Again, you never know if a journalist will interpret what you say correctly or if you’ll be misquoted or not. Well, I’m very pleased with the result. The whole team did a fantastic job. I had totally forgotten that I had said the following quote: "I wanted to create an ambiance where Peter Sellers in the film The Party would feel right at home."

When she asked what attracted me to the Mod lifestyle, I simply answered that aside from the music and the cool clothes, I was always fascinated by the fact that Mods were essentially rebels that blended effortlessly into society.