Manchester has been at the height of stylefor decades.And the city’s young generation has often been leading the way.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s annual fashion show has functioned as the perfect platform for Manc students to rep the leading trends since the 1950s – as well as pioneering some iconic styles of their own.
The city’s fashion scene has evolved considerably over the past 60 years – and with the help of MMU’s runway archives, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to explore how style has moved with the times.
1950s
1959
The elegant, lady-like dress pictured above was a key style for women throughout the country in the late 50s – and Mancunians were equally eager to embrace it.
It features a trendy nipped-in waist and full skirt paired with matching feminine accessories to create a truly glamorous garment.
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We only wish that it was still acceptable to get dolled up in this kind of glamour these days!
1960s
From the eye-catching floral print to the unique cape detail, this flowery dress (above) would still feel at home in the likes of Retro Rehab despite being 60-years-old.
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The full-length maxi skirt only came back into fashion around the late 60s as the ‘hippie’ movement emerged, but it’s no surprise that Mancunians were ahead of the curve with this style.
1965
This outfit above serves as a reminder of the popularity of a-line dresses and skirt suits in the 50s and 60s, as well as the importance of matching accessories.
Rather than the typical pinafore or mini skirt of the decade, this dress transitions into a well-concealed trouser suited for the city’s dedicated working women. Because practicality shouldn’t hinder fashion, right?
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1966
MMU students also returned to the maxi style in 1966 ready for the emergence of this trend nationwide, although in the image above it is adorned with a very 60s flower-power mod print.
This is an eye-catching take on the current trend, and is another retro dress that we could definitely see Mancunians rocking today from a brand like Grey Milk.
1970s
1972
The 70s saw bold colours and patterns take centre stage when it came to fashion, so obviously Mancunians were quick to follow suit.
This flashy polka dot outfit (above) from 1972 perfectly fits the disco and nightclub scene that dominated this era, as well as the figure-hugging fit making an appearance before it became a mainstream style.
1976
This striped top pictured above from 1976 is another example of the glitz and glamour ready for the dancefloor in the 70s, complete with a flouncy skirt.
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This was also an era of working handmade methods like crochet and embroidery into high-end garments – with the fabulous fruit print top being no different.
1980s
1980
The 80s was a decade defined by its power dressing – but the Manchester students pictured here substituted blazers and shoulder padding for a loud print and vinyl jacket that meant business.
While the rest of the country started the decade in preppy outfits inspired by the likes of Ralph Lauren and the typical American boarding school look, Mancunians apparently weren’t afraid to try something different.
1982
The dominant trend of the 80s was ‘bigger is better’, with brightly-coloured and coordinated looks screaming for attention.
Although PVC really came in style for young people in the 90s, Manchester was one step ahead of this look and not afraid to boast it!
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1984
While MMU’s students were eager to stray from the typical styles at this time, they also provided some iconic looks that couldn’t better summarise the 80s.
From the big hair to the influences from the 80s sportswear and fitness craze, it’s clear that Manchester had cracked the style of this decade.
1989
The popularity of bright florals in the late 80s is on show in 1989 – although the quirky addition of fresh flowers on the floppy hat is an artistic touch from Manchester’s students.
1990s
1990
The 90s generally saw a shift away from the larger-than-life styles that were popular in the 80s to more casual streetwear, but it’s clear that some Mancunians weren’t ready to ditch the bright colours just yet.
The sportswear influences of the 80s are also continued with these biker shorts and leggings, although we’re not quite sure that Manchester’s rainy weather would approve.
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1993
The rise of grunge fashion was also well underway in the 90s, with musical movements helping to put this trend on the map.
MMU students can be seen here pairing dainty mini skirts with chunky leather boots and stud details to provide a fresh new take on the style that was sweeping the country at the time.
2000s
2007
While the noughties provided a variety of iconic new styles, leggings under dresses was a trend that we all remember (and miss the warmth that it gave us) – as seen above with this bold red pair.
Tunic dresses were another firm favourite of the decade that Manchester students were quick to get on board with.
2007
This patchwork halter neck maxi dress from 2007 proves that Manchester students were still up-to-date with the top trends, even if our rainy weather couldn’t quite allow summer dresses like this to be worn outside the house.
Microdot exhibit for BRITs 2026: the artwork of Oasis, Verve and more up in Manchester Piccadilly
Danny Jones
If you’ve passed through Manchester Piccadilly of late, you might have noticed two things: one, it’s really quiet, and two, there’s loads of cool Britpop merch and memorabilia on display, including original Oasis, The Verve, Inspiral Carpets art and more – all courtesy of Microdot.
Set up as part of the city’s own BRITs celebrations, along with a raft of other nationwide festivities, as the annual music award ceremony prepares to make its Manc debut at the Co-op Live this month, the showcase features special edition frames and more, all pride of place in the middle of the train station.
This collection, simply entitled ‘A Microdot Design’, is all done by the legendary Brian Cannon, the graphic designer and art director behind so much recognisable visual material within the genre.
We recently had the honour of speaking to the man himself in person ahead of Piccadilly’s temporary closure; you can see our interview with him right here:
The Wigan-born artist and visionary didn’t just make promotional materials for some of the biggest bands in the 1990s; he’s responsible for what has gone on to become some of the most familiar iconography in British music history.
With this pop-up exhibit available for a limited time only, we strongly urge you to go along and, for once, take your time rather than rushing around the station as you peruse the boards placed right near the main entrance.
Charting his work from circa 1990 up until now, it’s crazy to see just how many of Brian and Microdot’s fingerprints are all over so many different bands and artists.
From native names like Oasis, The Verve and the Inspirals, as mentioned, as well as the likes of Cast, Super Furry Animals, Suede and Ash, plus so many more, this guy has been nothing short of prolific over the past few decades.
Audio North took a little tour of the King Street South unit last year in the lead-up to Oasis Live ’25 reunion world tour, and we felt like kids in a Britpop sweetshop.
While this site has sadly since closed, shutting up shop back in July, Brian’s mini, modest, but nevertheless magic Microdot Boutique up in the Lake District is still standing.
Located in the popular North West town and tourist attraction, Kendal, it’s worth a trip there to see more of his portfolio alone.
Currently on display at Manchester Piccadilly ahead of the full 2026 BRITs Week and shindig at Co-op Live, it’s one of the best completely free things you can do in town at the moment – but the exhibition finishes on Sunday, 1 March, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Speaking of the BRIT Awards, if you’re wondering what else is on as 0161 gets ready welcome them for their two-year stint (at least), look no further…
Manchester’s new aesthetics clinic with a budget-friendly tiered pricing model
The Manc
There’s a new medically–led aesthetics clinic in the heart of Manchester, which offers a tiered pricing model that will get you the right treatment at a price that suits your budget.
The Academy Clinic has opened up on Quay Street, specialising in natural, balanced results with a massive range of injectable and cosmetic dermatology treatments
The clinic was founded by Dr Tristan Mehta, Dr Emily Mehta, and Dr Marcus Mehta, who want to raise the standards of injectable and cosmetic dermatology treatments across the UK.
It’s part of Harley Academy, the UK’s leading provider of postgraduate training in aesthetic medicine.
And that’s what sets it apart from a lot of other clinics in the UK, and makes it a stand-out in an industry that is largely unregulated – at The Academy Clinic you won’t ever be treated by non-medics or anyone without formal medical training.
It means that you are always in the hands of a registered medical professional – whether it be practitioner or trainee, and doctor, nurse, dentist or clinical pharmacist – who would be able to manage complications, so you can feel confident you’re in the best hands.
The Academy Clinic in Manchester. Credit: Supplied
And the tiered treatment model really does suit every patient’s budget and preferences – you can take a more affordable treatment option, where qualified medical professionals are learning and being upskilled with expert supervision during your treatment; or you can opt for a fully private experience with a senior practitioner and no training elements involved.
There’s a wide range of treatments available, including popular injectable skin treatments such as Profhilo® and Profhilo Structura®, polynucleotides, dermal fillers, microneedling, HydraFacial and more, all designed to deliver natural-looking, confidence-boosting results.
Beyond patient care, The Academy Clinic’s clinical team also trains and mentors medical professionals through its GMC-registered aesthetics training academy, Harley Academy.
Dr Tristan Mehta, Founder & CEO of The Academy Clinic and Harley Academy, said: “Our mission has always been to raise standards in aesthetics. By combining education with patient care, we can ensure treatments are delivered safely, ethically, and with natural results.
Treatments include HydraFacials
“Bringing The Academy Clinic to Manchester means more people can access medically-led aesthetics with confidence.”
The Academy Clinic is now open at St John’s Court on Quay Street in Manchester, having acquired SkinViva last October.
To keep up to date with the latest news and promotions, you can follow The Academy Clinic on Instagram @theacademyclinic. For bookings or enquiries, call 0161 865 1141, visit theacademyclinic.co.uk or email [email protected].
Exclusive offer for The Manc readers: Use code MANC25 at the time of booking or when in clinic for 25% off any treatments excluding wrinkle reduction treatments.
Daisy Bradbury -
16th April 2021 
