The Mod Look on Screen: 15 TV and Film Icons Who Nailed It

1960s
By Jasmine Hughes

The Mod look wasn’t just a British fashion revolution—it became a screen sensation. From sleek silhouettes to bold prints and mini skirts, Mod style made its mark on TV and film. These 15 icons didn’t just wear the look—they owned it.

1. Diana Rigg in The Avengers

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As Emma Peel, Diana Rigg served up cat suits, monochrome palettes, and eye-popping boots. A Mod muse for every 60s fashion lover, Rigg’s wardrobe was as daring as her character, combining elegance with a futuristic twist.

2. Michael Caine in The Italian Job (1969)

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With his tailored suits and statement glasses, Michael Caine brought Mod masculinity to the big screen—smart, sharp, and effortlessly cool. Caine’s character exuded confidence and charm, epitomizing the suave sophistication of the Mod movement in cinema.

3. Julie Christie in Darling (1965)

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Julie Christie’s wardrobe in “Darling” practically defined Swinging London. Her chic bob, striking eye makeup, and crisp mini dresses captured Mod style at its peak. Christie’s portrayal was synonymous with the era’s vibrant fashion scene, reflecting a bold yet elegant aesthetic.

4. Terence Stamp in Modesty Blaise (1966)

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Slick suits, skinny ties, and attitude. Terence Stamp’s style in “Modesty Blaise” was pure 60s cool, mixing dapper with daring. His character’s wardrobe was a masterclass in Mod styling, balancing sharpness with a charismatic edge.

5. Audrey Hepburn in Two for the Road (1967)

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Though better known for classic elegance, Audrey Hepburn gave Mod a playful twist in “Two for the Road.” Go-go boots, shift dresses, and oversized sunglasses transformed her into a Mod icon, showcasing a more playful side of her fashion repertoire.

6. Jean Shrimpton in Beat Girl (1960)

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Before becoming a fashion icon, Jean Shrimpton lit up the screen with her model-off-duty Mod looks—simple, edgy, and unforgettable. Her presence in “Beat Girl” was a precursor to her influential status in the fashion world.

7. Vanessa Redgrave in Blow-Up (1966)

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In a film drenched in London’s art and fashion scene, Vanessa Redgrave’s minimalist Mod wardrobe spoke volumes—understated but razor sharp. Her attire in “Blow-Up” mirrored the era’s cultural shifts, embodying the essence of Mod elegance.

8. Patrick Macnee in The Avengers

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Opposite Diana Rigg, Patrick Macnee balanced classic tailoring with a Mod twist, sporting bowler hats and umbrellas like fashion statements. His portrayal of John Steed was an iconic blend of tradition and modernity.

9. Twiggy in The Boy Friend (1971)

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Twiggy wasn’t just a model—she brought her signature Mod look to the screen with dazzling makeup, mini dresses, and megawatt charm. Her role in “The Boy Friend” was a celebration of youthful exuberance and fashion innovation.

10. Anna Karina in Pierrot le Fou (1965)

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French New Wave meets British Mod. Anna Karina’s graphic prints, bangs, and bold color choices in “Pierrot le Fou” made her a cross-continental style queen, infusing European cinema with vibrant Mod aesthetics.

11. David Hemmings in Blow-Up (1966)

© Retro Vintage Mod Style

From mop-top hair to mod suits, David Hemmings perfectly captured the stylish chaos of London’s swinging scene in “Blow-Up.” His character’s look was a definitive expression of the era’s youthful energy and fashion-forward thinking.

12. Julie Driscoll on Top of the Pops

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Julie Driscoll’s TV performances showcased her soulful voice—and her high-impact Mod wardrobe. Bold eyes, geometric prints, and lots of attitude made her a standout figure in the Mod music and fashion scene.

13. Marianne Faithfull in Girl on a Motorcycle (1968)

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Leather, eyeliner, and edge—Marianne Faithfull pushed Mod into biker-chic territory in “Girl on a Motorcycle.” Her fierce independence and fashion-forward flair made her a daring icon of the era.

14. Jack Wild in H.R. Pufnstuf

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Even kids’ TV embraced the Mod wave. Jack Wild’s colorful wardrobe and swagger on “H.R. Pufnstuf” made Mod accessible to a younger generation, blending whimsy with the era’s iconic style.

15. Jane Birkin in La Piscine (1969)

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Though known more for her 70s boho looks, Jane Birkin’s late 60s film appearances featured Mod staples—short hemlines, clean lines, and effortless charm. Her role in “La Piscine” was a testament to her versatile fashion sense.