‘You are more than enough, and we are more than just clothing’
Kay Lou Klub doesn’t create ordinary clothes – they are clothes with courage.
Kay Haskins launched her Bolton-based brand to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health through empowering t-shirts and jumpers.
In an effort to encourage people to talk about their feelings and open up about mental health, Kay Lou Klub have created a selection of clothing that are liberating and filled with positive vibes.
From their ‘Flow Your Own Way’ sweatshirt that allows their customers to embrace their flaws, to the ‘Gratitude Attitude’ jumper that encourages you to appreciate the little things in life, each of their items is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health.
“I could never wrap my head round that as a society, there is this unwritten rule that we shouldn’t talk about our feelings, that our feelings are to be kept locked away and for only us to know”, says Kay, the brand’s creator.
A full-time photographer from Bolton, Kay Haskins has a passion for storytelling and promoting individuality. “I see clothing as one of the many beautiful ways to express yourself and tell your own story”, she says.
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Kay started to experience anxiety in her daily life in December 2019, causing her to experience severe panic attacks and fall out of love with yoga and other passions.
“I found myself cancelling plans, making excuses and even left a fitness event half way through because the whole thing became mentally and physically draining”, says Kay.
Although her recovery has not been an easy journey, this has been massively helped by journaling, working on breathing techniques and developing a healthy morning routine – all of which she hopes to impart on her audience.
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It was only when her niece, age 9 at the time, experienced a loss of confidence that Kay realised the effect mental health can have on everyone at even such a young age, and felt a duty to become part of the change.
“Going through that rubbish time earlier in the year made me realise that there are so many more people that are struggling that have no one (and it took me a while even with a pretty epic support network round me!) It suddenly wasn’t about me, it was about everyone else and others that I could help”
Kay recognised that many people with mental illnesses suffer in silence, and so decided to use combine her merchandising experience with her love of storytelling to create clothing that can make a difference.
Their newest release, which will be available from 2nd November, features the pandemic-inspired ‘the universe has got your back’ print. After a challenging and abnormal year, Kay Lou Klub are dedicating this launch to “all of the amazing people that have adapted, shifted, made it work, believed and haven’t given up.”
But Kay Lou Klub is much more than just a clothing brand – they’re entirely dedicated to helping people who suffer from mental illness. From their live yoga sessions and breathing workshops to inspirational blog posts, they are creating a nurturing and positive community for people who are struggling.
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“Kay Lou Klub is not a clothing brand. Kay Lou Klub is a way of life, a place to belong, a mindset, a culture, a place for self-development, a movement”
They also share a variety of resources and call centres that people can reach out to if they need additional help, as well as donating 10% of all sales to MQ, the mental health research charity.
Kay also appreciates her hometown of Bolton as playing an important role in this venture. “We always bounce back”, she says, “the pandemic may have made us distance 2 metres but has actually brought us closer together”
Kay Lou Klub is one to watch as they are continuing to grow their platform and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health head first. From yoga classes to wellness events, there are lots of exciting things that are in the works.
You can become part of the change and help advocate for mental health by taking a look at the Kay Lou Klub store, as well as following their Instagram for positive vibes and motivational quotes.
Style
River Island opens ENORMOUS new Trafford Centre store, with high-tech changing rooms
Daisy Jackson
The Trafford Centre has today welcomed a brand new River Island store – and it’s absolutely massive.
With high-tech changing rooms, an in-store coffee tuk tuk, and a huge selection of the high street brand’s clothing, the old Topshop unit has been completely transformed.
River Island’s brand new concept store spans 21,000 sq ft and has opened its doors for a weekend-long fashion event over this weekend.
One of its major selling points is the high-tech, interactive changing rooms, which detect which items you’ve carried into the space with you.
Then, if something’s not quite the right size or fit, you can use the touch pad in your changing room to request a new size, without having to traipse back across the huge site.
The changing rooms look beautiful too, decorated with pink floral wallpaper on walls and ceiling, plus huge black-lit mirrors to see your new outfit from all angles.
The changing rooms in River Island. Credit: The Manc GroupOutside River Island in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupAccessories display. Credit: The Manc Group
Back in the main store and everything’s split neatly into three departments – women’s, men’s, and kid’s.
The largest space has been stripped back to brick, with natural drapes, plants, and soft lighting suspended from the industrial ceiling.
There are boho rugs chucked about and marble tables displaying River Island’s huge range of accessories.
And on the men’s side of things, the seating has been taken from a car, and coffee tables are made from engines.
The new Trafford Centre shop was launched today with the help of Louise Roe, a fashion journalist and broadcaster, who hosted a styling workshop.
Menswear at River Island. Credit: The Manc GroupComplimentary floral bouquets from The Bud & Pot. Credit: The Manc GroupMenswear at River Island. Credit: The Manc Group
Gemma Scarfe, digital and marketing director, said: “We are extremely excited to announce that River Island is opening a brand new store in the Trafford Centre.
“Manchester has been on our radar for some time; it has continued to receive huge investment over the last few years and has cemented its position as a world-class city.
“We’re delighted to have identified a new, larger retail space that will deliver a fun and refreshing shopping experience to our loyal customers as well as complement the thriving city.”
Bruce Gardner, brand experience director at Trafford Centre, said: “River Island is a high street giant and hugely popular brand with our visitors, so we’re really excited to see their stunning, vibrant new store open in a new location here at The Trafford Centre.”
As part of River Island’s launch weekend, shoppers who spend more than £75 will be able to take home a complimentary flower bouquet from The Bud & Pot.
River Island’s new store is open now at the Trafford Centre.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Style
Northern brand creating genuinely flattering activewear to launch in Harvey Nichols Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A fashion brand that’s carving out a niche for flattering, colourful activewear will be launching inside Harvey Nichols Manchester this week.
Red Run has been created by women, for women, understanding the importance of having exercise gear that’s well-fitting and comfortable.
Their collections are made with a range of sustainable, sweat-wicking fabrics, always with a fashion-forward design.
Promising to be ‘a new beginning for activewear’, Red Run’s launch into Harvey Nichols will coincide with the arrival of their new SS23 seasonal collection, Azalea.
Azalea will draw inspiration from the colourful and fast-paced world of motor cross racing, with a 20-piece collection that’s ‘guaranteed to turn heads’.
Red Run is launching at Harvey Nichols Manchester. Credit: Supplied
Red Run has prided itself on its ultra-inclusive trend-led approach to fashion – in fact, their Sculpt & Perky leggings are said to be the best fit in the industry.
And soon you’ll be able to see it for yourself with their exclusive pop-up at Harvey Nichols Manchester.
In the Azalea collection, pieces will include colourful printed sweaters, lightweight running shorts and supportive cycling shorts, and a waterproof, windproof jacket that will work for both sports and all those summer festivals.
The BCI cotton used in Red Run’s collections uses sustainable farming practices that reduce water usage, minimise the use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers, all whilst promoting fair labour practices.
The northern brand also uses recycled tensile fabrics from post-consumer waste materials, like plastic bottles and textile scraps, transforming them into high-quality fabrics.
But there’s never a compromise on quality, with every item in the Azalea collection featuring premium quality fabrics, technical designs and complimentary silhouettes.
Megan Kimmance, Creative Director & Co-Founder of Red Run, said: “Red Run has a very specific visual aesthetic – it’s our point of difference. Seasonal collections will always be bold and vibrant inspired by seasonal trends featuring various fabrics and Azalea is no exception.
“I have used this collection to be more experimental than ever, introducing new styles, fabrics and silhouettes.
“This collection is a step above active streetwear as we know it and is more adaptable than previous Red Run collections. For example, the technical pull trousers are a total game changer – they can be styled with a heeled sandal as well as a vibrant sneaker.
“The Azalea campaign shows the multiple dimensions of the collection – all the pieces can be mixed and matched enabling the consumer to achieve multiple full provision looks without having to purchase the entire collection. The colours I chose shouldn’t work, but they just do.”
Red Run will be live at Harvey Nichols Manchester from 6 May 2023. You can browse and shop their activewear at redrunactivewear.com.
Daisy Bradbury -
22nd October 2020 
