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
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.
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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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
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.
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
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.
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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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.
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
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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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
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.
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.
Chanel fashion show in Manchester brought a staggering £8m boost to the city
Daisy Jackson
The total value of the massive Chanel fashion show in Manchester has been revealed, along with that the amount it cost in public money.
Early analysis of the global event, which saw Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter shut down and turned into a runway, suggests it generated a whopping £8m impact for the local economy.
And it’s estimated that the value it’s had for the city overall through national and international media coverage will be worth at least £100m.
Chanel’s Metiers d’Art fashion show was held earlier this month and had the city in a flurry of excitement, with celebrities spotted including Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton and Kristen Stewart.
They, along with names like Aitch, Bugzy Malone and Alexa Chung, were seen leaving fancy hotels and partying at venues like Salford Lad’s Club and Victoria Baths.
And now Marketing Manchester has valued the direct impact of the 600 Chanel guests and staff for the show to be worth £8m in direct income.
That includes staying in hotels for three to four days, spending in the local economy while they were here, and other expenditure like venue hire.
The Chanel show in Manchester is expected to attract even more investment, jobs and opportunities for Mancs too.
A main criticism of the show was how much it was costing the city to shut down one of its busiest streets for the week – the answer is nothing at all.
The council has confirmed that Chanel met all the associated costs, including cleaning, road closures, and recompensing the businesses affected by the event, with no cost to Manchester’s public purse.
In addition to that, 50 fashion students from Manchester Metropolitan University were invited to work backstage at the Chanel show, dressing models and supporting rehearsals.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “The Chanel event is one of the highlights in the global fashion calendar and the choice of Manchester as the host city received international acclaim.
“But for us it was never about the glitz and glamour – events such as this help cement Manchester’s reputation on a global stage and come with both direct benefits, through the money spent within our economy while they are here but also indirect benefits by showcasing the city and helping to capture investment, jobs, visitors and attention, all of which open up opportunities for Manchester residents and communities.”
Victoria Braddock, Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, said: “The scale of the impact of the Chanel Métiers d’art show in Manchester will be felt for years to come.
“The global media coverage of the event has put a spotlight on Manchester and its rich heritage in textiles and home of iconic music, which will drive conversations about the city and bring new visitors.
“The £8m economic impact is a welcome boost across accommodation, restaurants, and attractions, and demonstrates the importance of global events in the city.”
Sephora to open megastore at Manchester’s Trafford Centre next spring
Daisy Jackson
Beauty fans rejoice – Sephora has finally announced plans to open a store in Manchester, and soon.
The world-famous retailer, which stops luxury skincare and makeup brands as well as cult items, has secured a spot in the Trafford Centre.
This will be the third UK store for Sephora, which currently has two shops down in London.
And after a fair bit of teasing and plenty of rumours, they’ve confirmed that their next megastore will be right here in Greater Manchester.
The brand have shared an image of hoardings inside the Trafford Centre, plastered in Sephora’s black and white branding.
The signs read: “Manchester, you called it. Our first Northern store in 2024.”
Sephora says it will ‘redefine the beauty landscape in the North with an extraordinary product range that caters to the diverse needs of beauty enthusiasts’.
Cult brands stocked at Sephora include Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, The Ordinary, Glossier and Makeup by Mario.
Sephora wrote on Instagram: “You heard correctly — Sephora is coming to the TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER.
“Get your shopping baskets ready as we’re on our way up north! More to be revealed soon, see you in 2024…”
The Trafford Centre shared: “You asked, we listened! The wait is over….your @sephorauk opens late Spring 2024.”
Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said: “We are extremely excited to bring Sephora to Manchester, one of the most vibrant cities for beauty in the UK.
“Expanding our presence beyond London is something that consumers have been screaming out for, and we are listening hard to them when deciding where to go next.
“The Trafford Centre, known for its iconic atmosphere and diverse retail offering, is the perfect location for our third store.”
Russell Loveland, managing director at Pradera Lateral – Trafford Centre’s Asset Managers, said: “This iconic beauty giant already has a cult following, and our own social media has been blowing up with enquiries from excited customers eager for Sephora to open.
“We are very proud Sephora chose the Trafford Centre for its next location, which will be its first store in the North of England, and know it will be a fantastic success and a great addition to our strong international brand lineup.”
One person commented on Sephora’s Instagram post: “This is the best news I’ve heard all year!”
Another said: “OMG ITS HAPPENING, STAY CALM”
And someone wrote on Trafford Centre’s post: “Omg omg can’t wait.”