Fashion Flash Manchester

BY DOMINIQUE AFACAN
Our style editor on the brands and shops to watch

VICKY MARTIN
This Manchester-based brand has its main store in the Triangle on Exchange Square. Designs are glam and girly, and the dresses (right) are a good buy.
WWW.VICKY-MARTIN.COM

GIO–GOI
GIO–GOI Think crazy warehouse parties, Happy Mondays, or the Haçienda to get a feel for this disco-trippy brand – with its roots in the city’s dance culture.
WWW.GIO-GOI.COM

RINGSPUN
This directional high street brand has gone from local to global. And its flamboyant streetwear (pictured, below) is ideal for Northern urban dandies.
WWW.RINGSPUN.CO.UK

Where to shop

FOR THE BOHO BRIGADE
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is full of independent boutiques, offbeat shops and vintage finds. Don’t miss Oi Polloi (70 Tib Street) for its quirky menswear.

FOR THE POSERS
Armani, Hugo Boss, Vivienne Westwood and the like all line King Street and Deansgate, with Harvey Nichols and Selfridges standing proud in Exchange Square. Time to flash that cash.

FOR THE HIGH STREETERS
Head to Market Street and the Arndale Centre for all the usual suspects, including Urban Outfitters, Topshop, USC and Primark.

My Fashionable Life

DALE HICKS
Managing Director of WWW.MANCHESTERFASHION.COM, the city’s hub for all things fashion.

I DRINK AT
Common (39–41 Edge Street). This chic-but-shabby bar (pictured, above) is a favourite among the city’s creative types.

I EAT AT
The Marble Arch (73 Rochdale Road). I love pub grub and this place serves the best in the city – plus it has a great jukebox.

I PARTY AT
Mint Lounge (46–50 Oldham Street). I love this club in the Northern Quarter – it has great DJs and funky underground acts.

Must-do event
Triangle Shopping Centre is hosting the finals of North- West Young Designer of the Year on 18 September, with 20% off at selected stores from 6pm–8pm.
WWW.TRIANGLEMANCHESTER.CO.UK