Fashion Culture of Manchester

FEB FIGURE£3.99 FASHION CULTURE OF MANCHESTER HOW TO TREAT YOUR SKIN After the Wrath of Winter KATIE PARKER An Effortless Role Model A VERSACE TRIBUTE ANOTHER INSTALMENT OF WOMEN’S AUSTERITY Fashion’s freshest season EDITOR’S LETTER As Fi ure proclaims on the cover this month, it really is the freshest season yet for fashion. For some designers, there is a strong element of trading colours and textures with one another, and it’s fantastic to see that the communityg in fashion has grown. Newer designers have stood out than in other years this season, Francesco Risso, Creative Director for Marni, showcas- ing a new take on the Manuela Wrap Coat with mirror foil was a particular stand out for me, showing that true creative direction is willing to go beyond the typical panache of de- signership. This issue, for me, is a collaboration of the more youthful woman this month, understanding that the fashion culture of Britain has changed immensely - with the younger generation being a huge part of that. Manchester, our beau- tiful city in the North-West, has always been second best when compared to our fashion capital of London. However, things are changing, and Manchester’s cultural influences are attracting some of the biggest online fashion brands in Britain. Talking to Events Manager of Albert Hall, Roben Ramsay, Figure discusses Manchester’s evolving fashion culture, “Fashion Culture of Manchester” (page 6). Appropriate- ly, speaking of fashion culture, industry mogul and founder of Versace, Gianni Versace, woefully passed away just over 20 years ago. His sister, and Creative Director for Versace, Donatella, celebrated her brother’s memory and passion in Versace’s tribute collection this season, titled “Gianni, this is for you.” Donatella’s exhibition was eclectic and delivered to us the memories of Gianni’s love for all things Vogue, and fashion. Donatella, Gianni, we thank you. See page 9 as Figure reexplores the life of founder Gianni Versace. As for a more lightening subject, Figure had the oppurtunity to speak with two young mothers this issue. Tara and Lauren, two completely different young girls, were asked if being a nator as of this summer for a luxury holiday resort in Greece mum and keeping on trend with the latest fashion are mutu- - a bit different than her typical annual holiday to Ibiza - ally exclusive - to which I say, yes absolutely. See page 10 to but her work-driven attitude and motivation to stay fit and hear their responses in “Fashion Conversations with Mum”. healthy, is an accolode not all women can keep up with. KP, Now, as the colder weather has finally left the British Isles, I wish you the very best in your new career. See page 16 for and we finally start to be seeing some orange hot thing in the Sam’s one-on-one interview with Katie. Most importantly sky, I thought it would be important to go over the impor- in this issue, is the 100 anniversary of women’s suffrage. tance of skin care. Colder temperatures particularly have a To think women got the right to vote a century ago, you hard time on the skin’s surface, and can cause even the oiliest ladies have certainly come a fantastic way to show us men of skins to dry up. In partnership with one of my favourite how willing, competent and driven women are in the global brands L’Oréal, we asked industry experts Alicia Connor and community and I would like to just say, “you go ladies!” Rather Katie Crook to brief you ladies on getting your skin back on than explore the typical history of women’s suffrage which track ready for those prosecco-filled afternoons in the sun, I understand is just as important this month, I decided to “How to Treat your Skin: After the Wrath of Winter” (see explore the women in the world that we sometimes neglect, page 14). and for that reason I took a flight over to Krakow to revisit Keeping in pattern with how great this season has been for KL Auschwitz-Birkenau and learn of the horrors some victims fashion, I thought speaking to an old friend and effortless suffered during WWII (see page 18). Finally, with it being role model Katie Parker (my KP), would be in keeping with Valentine’s Day this month, I also had our writers at Figure the rest of this issue. Katie is one of the most hardworking do some of our own research for once, to try and gather some ing ladies I know, set to be working as an activities co-ordi- insight in to why some of you young girls are single in Britain. (see page 21, “Cheers Girls!”) 3 FIGURE HIGHLIGHTS Moschino showcased its very first blue alienoid for AW18. Following behind Kaia Gerber, the show was a spectacular watch. Gucci’s gothic Autumn Winter Collection was all shades of blue as Alessan- do Michele, the fashion house’s Creative Director, displayed pieces that were more about character than the label itself. The working women was part of this message, as models walked proudly in uniform, slightly concealed by a silhouette. Strength and unity of women was at the forefront of Tom Ford’s New York collection.Using a cerulean blue and feline prints, he had Hubble + Duke have also models strut along the designed a pair of wellington runway as catwomen. boots in navy. With cotton Purr-poseful and per- lining, they add comfort to fect at this season’s any rural couture. New York Fashion Purchase at Hubble + Duke, Week. £50. Mayowa Nicholas wears Ralph Lauren day dress, Marcel 85 have also from £1611, Ralph Lauren jumped on the blue- Balenciaga have also used a cruise with these velvet tassle earrings, £365, splash of blue to their new pumps. range of trainers. Purchase at Selfridges Photographer: Purchase at Sole Supplier, & Co., Yannis Vlamos £700. £585. RALPH LAUREN MADE THE SKY BLUE Creative Director for Marni, Balenciaga’s tribal, nomadic vibes Francesco Risso ejected also adopted chalk and cerulean his rendition of blues, by blues to clash amongst brighter elevating the collection colours. Chalk tones became neon through sizing and fit. Risso in this collection as they stood also included a variation of out amongst red and yellow floral assymmetrical garments prints and pinstriped blazers. which were made up skin- tight jumpers combined with (Photographs by Todd Burns) oversized jackets. 5 ART & CULTURE FASHION CULTURE OF MANCHESTER Figure groups Manchester alongside London, Paris The Albert Hall on Peter Street stands tall amongst the other brick-laid buildings surrounding it. Re-opened by Trof, a com- and New York recognising the impact the city pany behind the Death Institute, Gorilla and the well-estab- has had on Britain’s fashion culture. Speaking to lished Trof restaurant in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Roben Ramsay, Events Manager for Albert Hall, Albert Hall had originally been closed for over 40 years – before being converted in to a grand events venue, restaurant and bar. Figure discussed Manchester’s alternative fashion In the 90s, Manchester’s music scene became home to some culture, and divulged in to how the ornate Albert of the biggest names that have shaped Northern culture, in- cluding the likes of New Order and The Stone Roses. Today, the Hall itself, host to some of the biggest names in Albert Hall holds performances of all kinds of musical genres music, has showcased Mancunian fashion over the which people from all over Britain have come to attend. One years. Photographs by Jack Kirwin thing that has become evident at these events, is the distinctive fashion style women and girls have worn to these events, is the distinctive fashion style women and girls have worn to these events, depending on the act. Interviewing Roben Ramsay, who has been Events Manager for the Albert Hall for nearly a year now, tells Figure: “It’s fantastic that the Albert Hall drives women to try alternative looks as opposed to what they might usually wear.” She adds, “Manchester has always been known for its quirky and edgi- ness in fashion, particularly, because of the genres of music that has become so wildly popular in the city.” When asked why she thought people dress-up in such a way to these events at Albert Hall, she told Figure: “I think the main reason styling is such a production at Albert Hall is because of how women want to feel at our events, and the music along with the clothes they wear is a way of expression.” She further said, “It’s also about the vibe of being there as well – especially at some of our more prestigious events. You have to remember that we also host of lot of electronic, house and DnB performances, and “Mancunians love to wear different people enjoy dressing the part, just as they would do at a festi- styles right across the fashion val”. spectrum” Recently, Manchester has become a hub for multi-million-pound online fashion brands, opting to base themselves in the North, try to accompany something a little bolder with what I’m wear- rather than the fashion capital of London. Meanwhile, unique i n g .” independent stores have long been attracting people to shop in Of all the districts within Manchester itself, the Northern Quar- Manchester. When asked about this, Roben told us, ter has earned a particular reputation for its unique style. Selling “Girls love the visual merchandising aspect to shopping in Man- collections of pieces you wouldn’t find anywhere else, fashion chester.

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