Would you say there’s a specific “Manchester look”?
For me, a specific Manchester look would be mostly formed of vintage items. It’s a bit messy, oversized, but shows your personality in the details – it can be a pair of gloves, a band T-shirt or interesting make-up. You will mostly witness this look in the Northern Quarter, which is a stylish and dynamic neighbourhood with vintage stores, cool coffee shops and art spaces. It’s the heart of creativity in Manchester.
But, of course, it changes from area to area, especially now. Manchester is growing fast, with new neighbourhoods emerging with their own significant styles. A good example of it is Ancoats, the industrial mill-lined streets filled with stylish bars and independent restaurants. Style here is more “clean” and classy compared to the Northern Quarter.
What are your favourite places for spotting the best-dressed people in the city?
Coffee shops on weekdays. I like to see how people combine their busy working lifestyle with their desire to look cool. You understand that it’s not a look for an occasion, it’s a routine look.
What are the key styles you’ve spotted in Manchester this year?
The “clean girl” aesthetic has been very popular and “soft goths” are still going strong. Another thing I noticed is when it’s five degrees or higher, this qualifies as T-shirt weather in Manchester. That’s when a lot of young people retreat to the whole Blokecore aesthetic, building their looks around bright vintage football shirts.
What are the Manchester local shops/artists/restaurants that we should be looking out for right now?
Restaurants/Coffee shops
Siop is one of the most stylish coffee shops in the NQ. An LGBTQ+ friendly space for open-minded people.
Companio Bakery is another coffee place where you can spot local fashionistas. Some of them are here for photos and some came to buy organic goods from small local suppliers.
Flawd is an exceptional wine bar in Ancoats with occasional live jazz sessions.
Ad Hoc is a cool speakeasy wine bar in the Northern Quarter.
The Peveril of the Peak is a iconic Victorian pub that gets more and more appreciation from the young and stylish audience – and is one of my personal favourites.
Cultural spaces