Mod madness

THE LOOK

STYLE ICONS never disappear. Long after their moment, their images are recycled for a new generation to absorb, deconstruct and reinterpret.

The recent big-screen release of "Factory Girl" focuses attention on 1960s icon Edie Sedgwick, an Andy Warhol "Superstar" who embodied the innocence and danger of the bold, experimental "anything goes" mod era.

GROOVY SHOPS For those in pursuit of original '60s and '70s mod garb, check out the following vintage boutiques: »  The Blue Geisha: At 1860 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 108, in the same building as Wailana Coffee House. Call 944-5025. » Catherine's Closet: 2733 E. Manoa Road, Suite 204, at Keama Street (across East Manoa Road from Boston's North End Pizza). » Urban Nomad: At 1023 Smith St. Celebrating First Friday tomorrow night with DJs. Call 391-9328.

With her cropped, pixie haircut, raccoon eyes and simple sheath dresses often worn with tights, Sedgwick defined the effortless glamour that is a big part of dressing today. Is it any wonder that the miniskirt that defined the '60s is suddenly -- like it or not -- back in vogue?

In a way, designers have been preparing us for this moment for several seasons, with the long shirt worn over jeans. Now that the shirts have become long enough to be short dresses, some have probably already wondered why they need jeans at all.

In addition to the short dress, key to the modern mod look is the minimalist A-line silhouette -- or sleek, streamlined, if somewhat oversized boxy styles with high collars that suggest sophistication tempered by a little-girl-lost innocence and vulnerability.

Interest is added in details such as chunky, bold-colored jewelry, and the presence of patent, plastic and glints of silver and gold.

Here are a few examples of the look on the racks at Neiman Marcus.