‘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
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 -
22nd October 2020 
