Manchester is a kind and generous community at heart – and NEMCEE is the perfect case in point.
This slow-made clothing company has put functionality and kindness at the core of its business values since the beginning – and this was never more apparent than in the ‘Do Good Project’ launched during the dawn of the pandemic.
When NHS workers were placed under immense pressure last spring, NEMCEE – which is operated by a single set of hands in a Northern Quarter attic – stepped in to help combat the shortage of scrubs.
Despite being a small business that couldn’t match the production of big factories, the brand wanted to help in any way it could, supplying clothes wherever possible.
“I knew I couldn’t make them fast enough for the turnover front-line workers required,” says Niamh, the founder of NEMCEE and brains behind the ‘Do Good Project’.
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“I decided I’d make hard-wearing sets in organic cotton for those not on the frontline who couldn’t order the more disposable ones due to the shortages.”
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NEMCEE recognised the importance of NHS staff who weren’t on ICU wards, yet still deserved comfortable and free hardwearing workwear in order to focus on their roles.
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Due to operating as an extremely small business, the funds to fully support this endeavour weren’t there. But this was no pitfall for NEMCEE, who launched their ‘Do Good Project’ in response.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to buy all the fabric and just make them. So I launched the ‘Do Good Project’,” explains Niamh.
“A customer could buy a jacket or a pair of slacks at the cost price of the item and a set of hardwearing scrubs for an NHS worker.”
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NEMCEE offered a simple jacket style and existing #004 slacks at a reduced price, allowing customers to contribute towards the donation of scrubs while NEMCEE continued to make them.
Niamh launched NEMCEE after finishing her MA at Manchester Fashion Institute, aiming to create a collection of easy-to-wear garments made to last.
“We want to make practical clothing to last rather than fit into a trend.”, says Niamh, who is eager to spread the message of clothing that is utilitarian, durable and comfortable.
The brand uses mostly organic or deadstock fabrics and hard-wearing construction methods, taking pride in versatility and offering clothing that doesn’t conform to labels.
“All our styles are unisex and seasonless, so they’re for anybody”, Niamh explains.
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The brand is keen to make clothes that help people live their lives, whether that’s NHS workers or the everyday person.
Although the ‘Do Good Project’ has now ended, NEMCEE is continuing its charitable donations.
“We currently have the fabric option of pink ticking cloth,” Niamh tells us.
“This can be used for various items and includes a £25 breast cancer charity donation.”
You can shop NEMCEE’s slow fashion selection and support their efforts via the company website.
Style
Watch – Chanel shares incredible video of Manchester’s Northern Quarter transformed into catwalk
Daisy Jackson
Last night was monumental for Manchester, with the world’s most famous fashion house, Chanel, bringing its prestigious Metiers D’art fashion show to the city.
Only a few hundred guests got to see the invite-only spectacle with their own eyes, though it’s been hard to miss the massive behind-the-scenes work that’s gone into the show in the Northern Quarter.
Now, Chanel has released a video of the Manchester show in full, as well as footage of the pre-fashion show dinner at Salford Lad’s Club, with a performance from local legend John Cooper Clarke.
It means that those of us who missed out on an invite to the real thing can watch the beautiful show back at home.
The video, streamed live this morning, shows dozens of models strutting down Thomas Street, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship behind Chanel’s dresses, jackets, bags and more.
The models walked beneath a purpose-built canopy (which we all think should stay forever) past local boozers like the Bay Horse Tavern, Smithfield Social, and Cane & Grain.
There was a star-studded front row, as you’d expect, too.
Kristen Stewart, a Chanel ambassador, and Hugh Grant were two of the big names spotted in and around Manchester over the last two days.
Local famous faces were out in force too, with rappers Aitch and Bugzy Malone both in attendance.
Sofia Coppola, Tilda Swinton and Jenna Coleman were all sitting front row for the beautiful Chanel Metiers d’art show in Manchester.
Fashion royalty Alexa Chung posed in a Chanel outfit, while Oldham-born supermodel Karen Elson walked in the show.
And Liam Gallagher’s sons Gene and Lennon – who are the absolute spit of their dad, eyebrows and all – were also there representing Manchester.
Guests were then whisked away to Victoria Baths for an almighty afterparty.
Chanel said: “The finale – the CHANEL 2023/24 Métiers d’art show took place on an emblematic street in Manchester, one of the most effervescent cities of pop culture and an avant-garde one, whose bands, spanning all genres, have changed the history of music.
“In a shimmering pop palette, with a dash of the sixties, the collection imagined by Virginie Viard celebrates the CHANEL art of tailoring and tweed, while wraparound skirts, miniskirts with godets and Bermuda shorts highlight the British accents of the silhouettes.”
You can watch the full video of the Chanel catwalk through the Northern Quarter in Manchester below.
Road closures in the Northern Quarter and timings for the Chanel show
Daisy Jackson
In case you’d somehow not noticed, there’s quite a big event happening in the Northern Quarter today – and the Chanel fashion show comes with a fair few road closures.
The scale of the event is huge, and now spreads far beyond the actual catwalk down Thomas Street.
Extra road closures will now be in place to hold the pre-show red carpet, with celebs rumoured to be joining including Timothee Chalamet, the Kardashin-Jenner clan, and Margot Robbie.
There are also several closures relating to security, and The Foundry Project has been transformed into a backstage area for the models who will walk Chanel’s Metiers d’art show.
Celebrities will arrive on Thomas Street before being ushered behind the huge black barriers that have been installed to shield them from view.
Around 480 guests are expected to attend, with the Chanel collection itself actually arriving at 3pm.
The event itself will then take place between 5pm and 8pm, though the actual show will only be 15 minutes long.
Road closures in the Northern Quarter for the Chanel fashion showRoad closures in the Northern Quarter for the Chanel fashion show
The following roads will be closed on Thursday 7 December for the Chanel event in the Northern Quarter.
Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 December: 2pm – 10pm
High Street, between Copperas Street and Nicolas Croft
Soap Street, between High Street and Thomas Street
Salmon Street
Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street
Edge Street, between High Street and Oak Street
Back Turner Street, between High Street and John Street
Turner Street, between High Street and John Street
Kelvin Street, between Back Turner Street and Turner Street
John Street, between Turner Street and Thomas Street
Brick Street, between Back Turner Street and Turner Street
Back Thomas Street, between Thomas Street and Back Turner Street
10pm Wednesday 6 December until 3am Thursday 7 December
Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street
High Street, between Thomas Street and Copperas Street
10pm Thursday 7 December until 8am Friday 8 December
Copperas Street, between High Street and Oak Street
High Street, between Thomas Street and Copperas Street
Daisy Bradbury -
12th March 2021 
