Men's File

Book excerpt: Since 2008, the cult magazine Men's File has explored the authentic roots of men's style. Whether expressed in the counter-cultures of surf, café racers or hot rods, or in creating retro revivals of the gentlemanly pursuits of cricket or sailing, the magazine has created a stunning visual record of what constitutes true heritage style. For those who reject the mainstream, the short-lived, the superficial in favour of true individualism, where style is connected to a way of life. 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. Includes photographs of clothing subcultures focused on automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, surfing, skateboards, and cricket.