Nadine Merabi is a lavish label that’s been worn on red carpets across the world – but few people know of its Manchester origins.
The brand has become a staple of high-profile events – with Nadine Merabi dresses appearing at a huge range of ceremonies from the BAFTAs to the Cannes Film Festival.
This luxury womenswear has been worn by the likes of Jessie J, Mel B and Amanda Holden – yet its humble northern beginnings may just be the brand’s best-kept secret.
Nadine’s eponymous founder started small with her dressmaking.
She had an Argos sewing machine and some fabric from Abakhan in the Northern Quarter – but no formal training.
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Nonetheless, these limited resources didn’t stop Nadine from pursuing her dream of building a fashion brand – as she poured her energy into learning how to design dresses from scratch.
Within weeks, Nadine had her own rail at a pop-up shop in Barton Arcade. But the big moment came when she sold her first ballgown. From here – the Merabi brand skyrocketed to popularity.
Nadine recognised that the luxury fashion industry had a major gap: comfort and confidence.
After years of attending dinners in ill-fitting, uninspiring dresses, she knew first-hand this was what the sector needed – and also where she could have the biggest impact.
“I am obsessive about design, quality and fit”, says Nadine.
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“I believe in designs that flatter a woman’s shape.”
It is this individuality that makes the Merabi brand stand out to this day.
The founder is inundated with requests from friends and celebrities alike to make unique pieces tailored to them, and 10 years after the brand’s launch, Nadine still designs every item in the range herself.
“My fashion sense has always been bold and brave and that really comes through in the designs”, says Nadine, who draws inspiration from her British and Lebanese heritage.
“I, like my pieces, exude a calm, sophisticated confidence whilst making a statement.”
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This sense of conviction remains at the forefront of her designs, as Nadine aims to create elegant, upmarket pieces.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone standing out in one of my designs and hearing how it made them feel,” adds Nadine.
Merabi is going all-out with glitz and glam this festive season, selling luxurious garments that’ll leave you Christmas party ready (even if it held over Zoom).
Many of their fabrics also have a fashion face-mask addition, proving that the pandemic doesn’t have to stop you being stylish.
View the Nadine Merabi luxury womenswear collection on their website.
Style
Best dressed at Parklife 2024 as heavens open for day two
Daisy Jackson
The weather has well and truly turned on Parklife, but that’s not stopped the best-dressed in the city pulling out all the stops.
As the festival enters its second day and the sunshine is replaced by classic Mancunian drizzle, the most common accessory is the classic plastic poncho.
But beneath that you’ll spot trends like crochet two-pieces, hot pink skirts, football shirts, paisley-print mini skirts, fishnets, and plenty of cowboy hats.
Outfits seem to get brighter, bolder and more creative every year and this year is no different.
Brands that dominate include the affordable fast fashion retailers like Shein, BooHoo and PrettyLittleThing, among a few vintage finds.
Parklife is now entering its Sunday line-up, with headliners like Doja Cat, Kaytranada and TSHA performing today.
Let’s just hope the rain clears up enough for all of these gorgeous festival-goers to be able to whip their coats off again.
The best-dressed at Parklife 2024 – day two
Love these neon tassels, shaggy jacket and cowboy hatA sheer camo two-piece and cute butterfly crop topCrochet sets and cowboy hatsThis pink-and-orange combo with the blue hair is divineThe best-dressed couple at Parklife 2024These gorgeous girls nailed the Parklife briefObsessed with the holographic pink pants and sports jersey with mini skirtThese tiny ruffle skirts with chunky leather boots and jackets were a 10/10 lookHere come the ponchos…Now THIS is how you do uninhibited festival fashionTop-to-toe paisley paired with some very sensible walking shoesEasy guy to spot in the crowd hereAll-over denim made our list of the best-dressed at ParklifeHot pink fits at Parklife 2024A small shout-out for our new The Manc Group hoodies…
Everything inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags worth more than £1,000
Daisy Jackson
Sephora opening in Manchester has been causing a bit of a stir, with more than 2,000 people queueing up this week to try and nab a free goodie bag.
And while the presents being handed out to the public are pretty impressive, it’s nothing compared to the VIP goodie bags given out at the store’s official launch on Wednesday.
A number of celebrities, influencers, press and other special guests were invited to have a sneak peek of the huge new shop at the Trafford Centre before its official opening to the public.
At the glittering celebration, VIPs were given a glimpse at the huge range of products on offer inside Sephora’s first UK store outside of London.
Those in attendance included actor and TV presenter actor Katie Mcglynn, TV personality Caroline Thomas, actress Alex Fletcher and radio one presenter Natalie O’Leary, Real Housewives of Cheshire, Love Island personalities, and professional footballer Courtney Duffus.
Special guests of Sephora were then sent home with the goodie bag to end all goodie bags, stuffed full of full-sized cult products.
And having totted up the value of everything inside, we can confirm that each goodie bag is worth more than a grand (£1092.93, to be exact). Wowsers.
Olaplex No.3Viral hair product minisBrazilian Bum Bum CreamJust a few of the cult items inside the Sephora VIP goodie bags. Credit: The Manc Group
Viral products inside include Makeup By Mario lipstick, Olaplex, Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Glossier You perfume, and MorrocanOil hair treatments.
There are also TikTok sensations like the Dr Jart Tiger Grass treatment, which comes out of its tub green but magically turns beige on the skin, cancelling out redness.
And Tarte’s take on the revolutionary tubing mascara, which comes off your lashes with only water and a wipe, was also chucked in.
The most high-value items in the Sephora goodie bags were an Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream worth £64, Caudalie’s brightening serum at £52, and a Neom candle for £38.