Manchester has always been a popular place for shoppers seeking top brands. But the city isalso home to small independent creatives making different choices in their clothing.
Sustainable fashion has gained popularity over recent years – with a trend known as ‘slow fashion’ emerging.
Like the name suggests, slow fashion is based on quality and durability, rather than rapidly producing on-trend garments that aren’t necessarily made to last.
Slow fashion brands aim to create clothing that will last for a lifetime in your wardrobe, but they are also kinder to the environment and factory workers in the process.
If you still consider Manchester as something of a fast fashion capital, it’s worth checking out these brands doing amazing work for sustainability in the city.
Phloem was established in 2019, after founders spent a summer travelling through Norway and Sweden while being immersed in nature.
The owners brought this newfound interest in the environment back to Manchester, establishing a fashion brand that is actively campaigning for change and remains dedicated to creating organic, sustainable and ethical garments.
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“It’s become increasingly urgent that something is done to try and tackle the environmental impact that our fashion industry currently has,” says Phloem.
“We have done everything we can to ensure that the production of our garments limits their impact on the environment, and each piece of clothing last for years to come.”
There’s a common misconception that slow fashion pieces are only to be worn on special occasions or important events, but Nemcee is combatting this with everyday clothing options.
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Nemcee is a slow, unisex brand that makes a variety of clothes to ‘go out and live your life in’, opting for timeless pieces that you will love regardless of the season.
Everything is made to order right here in Manchester, too – which limits waste.
Nemcee also strived to support the frontline during the pandemic, launching the ‘Do Good Project’ to assist with the shortage of scrubs available for NHS workers.
The Bee Thrive was created in response to what founders believe is a broken fashion industry – creating high quality garments made to last, without style being compromised.
The brand is radically transparent and determined to use the platform to enact change within the industry.
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“We are unapologetically political,” says the brand
“And [we] use our brand voice to support women’s rights, garment workers’ rights, environmental sustainability and climate restoration.”
Bee Thrive garments are tailored to the exact needs of the UK’s women, whether that is in the workplace or whilst working from home.
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Hoardings spotted as Uniqlo prepares to open second Manchester store inside Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Hoardings have officially been spotted, as Uniqlo prepares to open its second store in Greater Manchester.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but now, Manchester is about to get a second helping later this year.
Uniqlo has announced that it will be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store makes Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
Uniqlo prepares to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre / Credit: Trafford Centre (via Facebook) | The Manc Group
Shoppers at the Trafford Centre this week have spotted that hoardings for the new store – which is taking over the old Ted Baker store following its closure in April 2024 – have officially gone up, and it’s fair to say, they seem pretty excited about it.
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like “finally” and “can’t wait”.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
While no official timeline or dates for Uniqlo’s new Trafford Centre store have been announced, fashion business news outlet Drapers has reported that it’s set to open during the autumn/winter period.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Manchester City release new ‘The Decade Collection’ celebrating 10 years of Pep Guardiola
Danny Jones
Manchester City and PUMA have just released a new clothing line celebrating 10 seasons of Pep Guardiolaat the club.
Simply entitled ‘The Decade Collection’, the new PUMA range revolves entirely around Pep as he marks his 10th anniversary in charge of the Blues, focusing on minimalistic style.
Guardiola has always been a trendy bloke, often being highlighted for his fashion choices on the touchline – even some of the questionable ones…
But with a much plainer approach this time around, the Pep clothing collab
Debuting the lifestyle drop on Wednesday, 15 April, Man City wrote on social media, “Ten seasons on the touchline. Ten seasons of setting the standard.
“Introducing the Puma Football Decade Collection with the Pep Team – celebrating Pep’s ten seasons as our manager and inspired by memorable moments from his tenure at the Club.”
While it’s unclear how much (if any) of these new clothes the Catalan coach has helped design or had influence on, but given its exclusive nature, you can expect it to sell out pretty quickly.
They go on to add: “Created to honour a defining chapter that reshaped the club’s modern identity, this exclusive collection is available in limited quantities.
Starting at £30 for the cheapest item – a ‘P’ logo baseball cap – the most expensive part of the collection clocks in at £110: his special anniversary edition ‘Majesty Low Decade’ PUMA trainers.
You can see some more examples of what we’ve already seen him wearing, and what we’ll no doubt see him in pitchside very soon, down below.
Obviously, City has plenty of other brand partnerships when it comes to both official sports apparel and more casual clothing, many of which we’ve already seen the 55-year-old football manager wear, but you can almost guarantee he’ll be donning them for the coming fixtures.
You can see Man City x PUMA x Pep Guardiola ‘Decade Collection’ in full HERE.
Speaking of which, up next for Pep and co is what could prove to be THE big twist in this year’s Premier League campaign, with his squad of serial winners taking on league leaders Arsenal at home.
Not only did the Gunners’ surprise loss to Bournemouth last weekend help City close the gap on the top spot, but with them refinding their form ahead of hosting the title hopefuls at the Etihad Stadium, it all looks to be shifting back in their favour at the moment.
With seven games left, and one in hand compared to Arsenal, do you see them beating Mikel Arteta’s side to another trophy?
Daisy Bradbury -
29th January 2021 
