For many of us, the outsider will always be romantic, and the beauty of the street a poignant source of inspiration. In this, the alienated working-class teenage gangs of Switzerland, circa 1960, are nonpareil. Especially for their daring fashion sense. The low slung belts with giant homemade buckles decorated with portraits of their hero, Elvis (who also often appeared on pendants the size of saucers). Horseshoes as accessories. Scarves. The denim jackets customized with decorative links of chain, fur trim, and embroidered with club names and home towns: like the Vampire Strangers of Basel or the Revenger Gang of Zurich. And above all for the creative individuality they brought to hairstyles, running a gamut from pompadour—both dry and pomaded—to ducktail, bouffant and beehive. Lovingly chronicled in hundreds of photographs by Karlheinz Weinberger (a factory warehouse inventory clerk, no less an outsider than themselves), what perhaps is most striking about them is their refusal to be ordinary.
White Modal Turtleneck by Rosetta Getty
Black & White Striped Synthetic Blend Sweater by Arthur Arbesser Mixed Metal Necklaces & Rings by Thea Grant
Denim Jacket by Marques Almeida Wool Plaid Shirt by Woolwich Black Silk Sweater by Creatures of Comfort Denim Pant by Seafarer Leather Gunmetal and Belts by Saint Laurent Mixed Metal Necklace, Rings & Bracelet by Thea Grant
Navy Synthetic and Wool Sweater by Alexander Wang Ribbed Jersey Bodysuit by No. 6 Pant by Seafarer Mixed Metal Necklace & Bracelet by Thea Grant
Synthetic Blend Bustier Bikini by Dolce & Gabanna Mixed Metal Bracelet & Rings by Thea Grant
White Modal Turtleneck by Rosetta Getty Black Leather Boots by Suno Denim Shirt by Ji Oh Necklace and Bracelet by Thea Grant Stylist’s own Elvis Badge
Black Silk Top with Heart Embroidery by Giulietta Necklace by Thea Grant
Young Blood | Team Credits:
Photographer Anthony Blasko
Stylist Priscilla Polley
Hair Stylist Dennis Lanni @Art Dept
MakeUp Artist Devra Kinery @Art Dept
Photographer Assistant Greg Haerling
Fashion Assistant Katie Eytch
Featuring Laura Hanson Sims @The Society Management
Eva Klimkova @The Society Management
Many Thanks to Studio Manager Dean @ Slate Studios