This summer, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet takes over Sadler’s Wells in London with an electrifying reinterpretation of The Who’s legendary 1973 rock opera. Running until July 13th, 2025, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet transforms Jimmy’s coming-of-age story into a bold new movement language—complete with live orchestration, razor-sharp choreography, and a striking wardrobe by Paul Smith designs.
Tasked with reimagining 1960s mod culture for the stage, Paul Smith Designs delivers costumes that blend heritage style with performance innovation. Think slim-cut tonic suits, RAF roundels, and graphic checks—all tailored for maximum impact and motion. These are not museum pieces; Paul Smith designs ensured every look was stage-ready, incorporating athletic structure and custom fit for each dancer.
Central to the collection is a standout raincoat—borrowed from Smith’s own A/W 2024 line—that nods to the cinematic tone of the 1979 Quadrophenia film. For Paul Smith, the project was personal. A lifelong fan of The Who, Smith infused each outfit with cultural nuance and playful detail, honoring the source material while pushing its visual language forward.
Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet is more than a nostalgic revival—it’s a full-bodied collision of music, fashion, and movement. And thanks to Paul Smith’s designs, the aesthetic punches just as hard as the sound.
This deep attention to detail—where instinct meets intention—echoes the ethos that runs through all of Paul Smith’s creative ventures. From costume to community, it’s about more than aesthetics; it’s about thoughtful design with lasting impact. In our interview, Martha Mosse, the director of Paul Smith’s Foundation, shares insights on creative intuition, long-term support, and what real impact looks like behind the scenes.
