Grey Milk: The independent Mancunian fashion brand launched during lockdown
Bored of high street fashion? Take a look at Grey Milk a playful and positive Manchester-made independent clothing brand to add some colour to the closet.
A new, playful and positive Manchester-made clothing brand has been born in lockdown – an innovative line of clothing by the name of Grey Milk.
Created by Mancunian Gwen Harris, the retro clothing range is packed full of bright floral prints, bold designs and can be made to custom order.
The name Grey Milk reflects Gwen’s, bold, haphazard persona – which is emulated in her clothes. Inspiration for the sixties-style patterns came from a Nirvana single, with Gwen juxtaposing this theme with modern, on-trend, girly pieces of clothing.
From huge puffed sleeves to boxy, oversized mod dresses, the whole range is extremely versatile and can be adapted for any occasion.
Grey Milk
Using a degree in Fashion Design and experience working full-time in the print design industry, Gwen has successfully built a new brand by interacting with customers to create personal, bespoke garments and even craft a newsletter.
“I’ve felt held back in the past whether that be due to lack of time, resources or money,” says Gwen.
“But as depressing as this whole situation is, I’ve been able to seize the opportunity and commit to launching Grey Milk.”
The designer has chosen whimsical, unusual and dreamy female names for her clothes to allow customers to connect further with the brand.
So far, Grey Milk has the ORLA dress, the POLLY top, the FAYE skirt, the ELLA dress, the BETTY top, the MAGGIE dress, the CLEO top and the JOANIE trousers.
Grey Milk also prides itself on transparency and sustainability.
Currently half the stock is made from natural and biodegradable fabrics, whereas the rest still uses polyester for silk and velvet.
Gwen’s clothes are 100% vegan and she has pledged her next range will be completely made out of natural, eco-friendly fabric.
Grey Milk
With high streets struggling, smaller UK brands with custom options could see a rise in popularity over the coming months.
Built-to-last garments are also in favour; and Grey Milk’s durably outfits could help to alter preconceptions of single-wear clothing.
The brand has already gained impressive traction – with Manchester influencer Faye Ellaby promoting the clothing on social media.
Gwen has also utilised social media to run competitions where customers could design a new garment that they would like to see in the next range – with the winning design receiving a free Betty Top and their design brought to life.
Grey Milk is a brand which wants to bring joy and sustainability to shopping. And the fashion industry is sitting up to take notice.
Drama Call drop latest limited edition Manchester United collection
Danny Jones
Viral Manchester streetwear brand Drama Call has finally revealed its latest limited edition Man United collection, and it’s gone down an instant hit with fashionistas and football fans alike.
Better yet, they’re hosting a special pop-up store right outside Old Trafford, so expect massive queues.
Led by a special white jersey inspired by United‘s 1991 anniversary away shirt, the extremely anticipated release is the third they’ve done in tandem with the club, with the Manc company’s reputation having grown significantly over the years.
Now worn by stars such as Aitch, who models as the cover star of the campaign, these drops see hundreds, if not thousands, flock to get their hands on the casualwear – and this newest batch is set to be no different.
As you can see, while the new Drama Call x Man United collection would no doubt sell out online, the local label sticks to keeping the buzz with in-person pop-ups and often surprise locations in and around Greater Manchester.
In this instance, the usual crowds that surround the Drama Call van will be gathering right outside the official Manchester United Megastore for one day only this week.
Oh, and in case you didn’t already guess, it’s first-come, first-served and yes, you have to be very quick.
Besides the twist on the classic and already highly collectable kit design, the collection features a retro ’90s style track jacket, black pullover hoody, and two Drama Call stamped MUFC t-shirts – one black, one white and both with the iconic striped Adidas sleeves.
This isn’t the only big crossover they’ve unveiled in 2025, either, having teamed up with Adidas earlier this year for a very cool sneaker drop.
Big queues of 'sneakerheads' are expected in Manchester city centre tomorrow as a local fashion brand has teamed up with @adidasoriginals for a big collab. 👟
Once again, the Drama Call x Man United pop-up shop will be opening from 7pm this Thursday only and trust us, the stock won’t last for long.
There may be an opportunity to cop some clobber at a future date, but for now, this is your only opportunity for early access if you’re a big fan of their stuff or just a dyed-in-the-wool Red who fills their wardrobe with pretty much anything Man United.
We expect there’ll be a few going for that kit.
Limited edition footy shirts are all the rage at the moment, especially in the music world, but there’s also a rugby jersey that’s caught our eye recently.
Featured Images — Manchester United/Drama Call (press shots)
Style
Sale Sharks drop Haçienda-inspired away kit for the 2025/26 season
Danny Jones
Local rugby side Sale Sharks have just released their new away kit for the 2025/26 season, taking inspiration from Manchester’s legendary nightclub, The Haçienda.
The Greater Manchester club have a great run with Macron as their suppliers, with the Italian sportswear manufacturer coming on board in 2021, but this might be one of their best shirts yet.
After teasing the latest jersey with a ‘This is OUR NORTH’ trailer on Wednesday, 20 August, ahead of the Premiership Rugby season getting underway next month, supporters were excited to see what the pair had come up with for their latest design.
Turns out, they had every reason to be, as the 25/26 Sale Sharks kit has gone down as an instant hit, with the rich, almost wine coloured number integrating that iconic Haçienda pattern.
With Sharks men’s and women’s stars Carmen Castellucci, recent signing Nathan Jibulu, Nikita Prothero, Sam Dugdale, and Ernst van Rhyn all getting involved for the kit reveal, the new away shirt went on sale this Thursday morning (10 Aug).
Aside from the recognisable chevron pattern, which nods to the famous Mancunian music venue and the city’s storied clubbing scene, the launch video was filmed within a special exhibition in honour of the man behind The Haçienda and co-founder of Factory Records, the one and only Tony Wilson.
Plenty of tourists have visited the city to see the Tony Wilson Exhibition at the Smolensky Gallery – the showcase having just ended this past July – but this short shoot looks to help extend the celebrations of his legacy.
As for the kit itself, Sale Sharks and Macron have gone for another very Mancunian colour scheme, it would seem, choosing magenta and Bordeaux hues as a tribute to another one of our most famous creations: Vimto.
You’ve just got to love a kit with multiple hometown references.
It might not be full-on black and yellow (Man City already did that a couple of years ago), but it’s still an eye-catching pattern and colour combo.
Other little touches that will no doubt please fans include the embossed print depicting a shark fin at the bottom of the shirt and the date 1861 – the year the rugby union team was founded.
While plant-based ‘super food’ sponsor BOL takes pride of place in the front of the female jerseys, the men’s team remain with Toshiba, and the shirts themselves are made from Eco Fabric: 100% polyester derived from post-consumer recycled plastic.
So, what do you make of the new and very Manc away shirt, Sale Sharks fans? All we know is it’s been a great summer for kits all-round.
Jess Walmsley -
16th June 2020 
