Clothing trends are constantly reinventing past looks, and the North West is no exception – harbouring a vintage obsession and adoration for bucket hats.
But the latest trend to hit the city is noughties nostalgia – as people take inspiration from pop culture icons and films such as Mean Girls and Clueless for a ‘Y2K look’.
While many clothing retailers are embracing this funky attire, some local brands are taking it one step further by putting a classic Mancunian twist on the Y2K style.
Here’s a few examples…
Borderline Tacky
Borderline Tacky is a trendy boutique is transporting people back to the early noughties with their selection of Y2K outfits.
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Velour two-pieces are an unmissable trend from this era, and Borderline Tacky has high-waisted fit and flashy bralette up for grabs – as well as unique diamante t-shirts, double denim and tie-front cardigans.
Tie-front cardigans are another staple of Y2K fashion that have made a comeback this season.
Whilst these days we’re a lot more comfortable in high-waisted skinny jeans and plenty of layers, the exposed midriffs and low-rise bottoms are much more reminiscent of the early 00s.
Dirty Disco has taken Manchester’s favourite vintage pieces and turned them into Y2K must-haves by styling cardigans with a singular button done up.
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This is the perfect stepping stone to starting a Y2K wardrobe while still playing it safe, plus those cardigans will definitely come in handy when Manchester’s wintry weather inevitably hits!
One of the biggest hallmarks of Y2K fashion is nostalgia – with brands rapidly reproducing the accessories of our childhoods; such as butterfly hair clips and jelly shoes.
July Child is the perfect case in point; creating lots of funky jewellery items that our younger selves would be equally obsessed with.
From alien heads to peace signs and everything in between, they have perfectly tapped into nostalgic jewellery tastes – and get bonus points for the level of bling.
Juicy Couture was renowned for velour matching tracksuits that caused a storm in the early noughties, and with lockdown still upon us we definitely share their appreciation for loungewear.
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In collaboration with House of Sunny, Norah Store has put a retro twist on this classic look.
The brand’s showstopping co-ords are complete with fur cuffs and a vivid lime green colour palette – everything you need to make a statement.
The claw clip is a classic 90s hair accessory that might give off major librarian vibes these days, but they’re actually back in style with the rise of Y2K fashion.
Rock on Ruby has expanded its selection of quirky printed t-shirts to include these highly desired hair accessories, so you can now effortlessly scrape back your hair and still fit the Y2K style.
The brand is offering a variety of different colours and styles, meaning you can boast this trend with any outfit.
Style
A local indie fashion brand is cleaning tired old trainers while handing out free shoes and ice cream
Danny Jones
A Manchester-based fashion brand is looking to give back to the community with a wholesome new initiative that will see a charitable trainer cleaning service swapped for a brand-new pair of shoes and free ice cream.
Nope, this is not a scam or some kind of prank, just a local indie label doing some lovely for the community and an important a crucial UK non-profit.
In case you’ve not come across the name before, we’re talking about rising sneaker makers KayKrepz, who are behind the increasingly popular model known as the ‘Kezy’, available in a select few colours.
Sneaker heads may have already spotted a select few pairs out on the streets of Manchester, where the designer’s story begins, but we have a very strong feeling you won’t get many other opportunities to get your hands on a pair of these for free.
The ‘Kezy’ in Earth GreenAnd in CreamA very fresh pair of creps, it has to be said – and who could say no to free shoes designed right here in Manchester? (Credit: Supplied)
Speaking to The Manc, creator Kezi told us that building a bit of a community and supporting the local area is just as important as growing the brand itself.
“I really wanted to have a shoe brand that people can afford to buy that are also still comfortable as well as look and feel nice, plus it’s a good way to gather unwanted items to give to Centrepoint.” We couldn’t agree more.
For anyone unfamiliar with Centrepoint, who have a big base here in Greater Manchester, they are a nationwide charity that combats rough sleeping and specialises in youth homelessness, in particular.
It goes without saying that collecting free articles of clothing is an integral part of their work.
So, with that in mind, Kezi and co will be holding ‘The Sweet Swap’, where those who attend can exchange their unwanted, old shoes for a free pair of KayKrepzAND a scoop of premium ice cream.
This is all in return for a free shoe cleaning service which will see those same trainers traded in, given some much-needed TLC, before being donated directly to Centrepoint. Love it.
We’ll back pretty much any small business trying to make it in our region, but it’s fair to say getting behind causes like these is especially easy.
Including the new ‘Butterscotch’ model, the Kezy shoe is usually priced at £69.99, making it arguably one of the most affordable high-end, top-quality trainers on the market at the moment.
Naturally, there will only be a limited number of pairs available and shoes handed in must be of a good enough quality to be passed on via the charity; KayKrepz’s Street Swap scheme will be operating on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.
Taking place on Sunday, 1 June at All Saints Park (M15 6BW). You can reserve your limited free tickets right now from the event page HERE.
Just make sure to leave your name and shoe size when signing up.
Luxury tattoo studio with world-famous clients to open in Manchester for the first time
Daisy Jackson
A tattoo studio with a roster of VIP clients is heading to Manchester, as The London Social prepares to open The Manchester Social.
The world-renowned studio, which counts celebs like David Beckham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Sam Smith as its clients, is opening its first site outside of the capital.
Set to open next week, The Manchester Social tattoo studio will span three floors and 2,200 sq ft on King Street.
They say this new tattoo parlour will be ‘serve Manchester’s elite’ and offer a convenient location for existing regulars, including Luke Shaw and Mason Mount.
The Manchester Social studio will offer the same bespoke tattoo experiences and world-class artistry it’s famous for, but with eight new artists, all from the Manchester city region.
The business is headed up by Miles Langford – named by The Times as one of the world’s most exclusive tattoo artists – and already has tattoo parlours in Fitzrovia, Soho and Angel in London.
It’s famed for fine-line specialty designs and will bring a luxury tattoo space to the historic King Street for the first time.
Miles Langford, founder of The London Social, said: “Opening our first location outside of London is a huge step in our business journey but Manchester seemed like the obvious choice.
Inside The Manchester Social. Credit: Supplied
“A key selling point for me was the building and its location. King Street is known for being the epicentre of luxury in Manchester so it was a no brainer for us to make the decision on where we would fit in best.
“An indescribable amount of hard work has gone into making this store one of our best yet, all whilst maintaining its Manchester foundations and we can’t wait for Manchester to get the experience that our London clients love so well.”
Holly Whitcomb, associate director at DTZ Investors, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome such an exclusive brand like The London Social to King Street.
“King Street is known for being the go-to place for luxury retail and leisure and addition of The Manchester Social will be help to diversify the offering on the street, aligning with our ambitions to be a go-to destination in Manchester City Centre.
“From its VIP feel, to star-studded clientele, we’re looking forward to seeing footfall soar on the street.”
The Manchester Social will open on Saturday 5 April at 9 South King Street – find out more HERE.
Daisy Bradbury -
2nd April 2021 
