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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Salford City drop first new kit ahead of new era for the football club
Danny Jones
Salford City FC have finally dropped the first new kit for the team’s new era, with the native second city side having fully reverted to orange and black as their core colours and a fresh club crest late last year.
The local club, which was famously bought by Manchester United’s ‘Class of ’92’ and businessman Peter Lim back in 2014, is now embarking on its next chapter and a “new identity” – starting with going back to the days of old when it comes to the badge and official palette.
After the change was initially announced last October following feedback from an extensive fan review, a first glimpse at the rebooted badge, which calls back to previous versions, and the details behind it were revealed this past December.
Fast forward to Wednesday, 8 July, and the latest away shirt incorporating the new (and old) core design tenets has been released in full glory; here’s a closer look:
As you can see, the white-base alternate strip features the iconic adidas three stripes in orange across the shoulders and sleeves as a representation of their new primary colour, but keeps the second accent often used on home, away and/or third kits in recent years.
Keeping the black with an orange trim on the neck and cuffed short sleeves, Ammies can almost certainly expect some kind of inversion of the trio on the main for the home shirt.
Perhaps most notably, leading global insurer AIG is printed across the front and the new principal sponsor, continuing their partnership with the organisation and replacing Fireball Whisky after a short stint as the lead brand logo.
Unsurprisingly, some Salford supporters have noted that it is reminiscent of Man United kits from 2006-2010, who were also sponsored by the company.
Elsewhere, international technology consultancy Accenture features across the upper portion of the back of the shirt, and British wellness retailer Holland & Barrett appear on the left-hand sleeve.
Finally, the kit is completed with white shorts that also feature orange stripes and a black and orange trim, and customised ‘SCFC’ white socks.
Salford’s Lionesses women’s team will wear black shorts with orange stripes instead. What do you make of the first fresh shirt of the new era, Salfordians?
An exclusive pop-up vintage clothing and charity market is coming to Manchester Arndale
Danny Jones
Love shopping locally, independently and sustainably and from the likes of traders and regional markets? Well, this one is tailor-made for you (pun intended), because a Greater Manchester favourite is coming to the city centre.
Better still, you can do your bit for charity whilst you’re at it.
That’s right: Salford’s former but ever superb Charity Super.Mkt is making its way from Media City to central Manchester for the very first time.
Popping up at the Arndale for its city centre debut, Exchange Court will be taken over by a sea of indies and vintage clobber for three whole days.
Credit: Press shot (supplied via Charity Super.Mkt)
Boasting not only some native but even national history, the UK’s first multi-charity pre-loved fashion store boasts countless curated charity finds.
From second-hand gems and desirable denim, to retro and cult favourite football shirts and more, there’ll be plenty to get your hands on – all whilst supporting charities from nearby and all over the country.
Co-founded by Northern designer Wayne Hemingway MBE – whose Red or Dead footwear brand and fashion label began in Afflecks Palace and over on King Street – the Manc roots behind this run deep.
Notably, this upcoming and limited-time-only event marks a significant milestone for the initiative, too, as this will be their biggest activation since their highly successful two-month stint at the Quayside shopping complex.
The popular residency was only relatively short-lived, but it’s safe to say that it was much-loved and well-received by plenty more than just Salfordians.
Getting underway this month, the pop-up will kick off from 9am on Friday, 10 July, running across the entire weekend.
Participating charities include The British Heart Foundation and the RSPCA, who have already seen support through more than 10,000 vintage items being resold in an effort to raise important funds from the Media City pop-up alone.
This also meant that more than three tonnes of textile waste were diverted from landfill, and over 25 tonnes of CO₂ emissions were offset, not to mention upwards of 4,500 cubic metres of water were saved in the process. Brilliant stuff.
Making its maiden appearance in Manchester city centre, this summer’s Charity Super.Mkt at the Arndale is a must-not-miss; you can find the opening times for each of the days down below:
Jess Walmsley -
16th June 2020 
