It’s a given that vintage clothing has played a significant part in Manchester’s unique style status. For over ten years shoppers have been easily able to pick up genuine pieces from, or clothes based on, the 60’s to 90’s at the likes of Ryan Vintage, Rags To Bitches or Affleck’s.

 

Vintage in Manchester is now taking on a wider audience after successfully defining a lifestyle that draws on independent and local trade. Bosses say Sheffield-based chain COW - which is due to open on Piccadilly Gardens this month - will be Manchester’s largest vintage store, while Oldham Street vintage expert Best Vintage is part of a successful string of nationwide stores.

 

Best Vintage fits nicely in with the ‘can’t be bothered but secretly really am’ attitude of Oldham Street. Most importantly, it sells good quality pieces at affordable prices, such as the £8 cream shorts I bought. They were American, which alongside Europe – watch out for the different sizing -is where the majority of the one-off stock is sourced from.

 

Trade has picked up nicely for Best Vintage, with reports stating that the classic pieces are selling well. I considered a cropped and padded velvet bomber jacket alongside my shorts, but decided my ambition of being an extra in a Soul II Soul video best remains in the 80’s. Other standouts include the selection of ladies camis which evoked Saturday nights dramas filled with big hair and disco lights.

 

Reports from those who have been to COW’s other stores have been positive; a tie my boyfriend bought from the Birmingham store was ‘gwarnin’, while COW Manchester’s Facebook page has over one hundred fans. Some may be wary about COW’s location but it has massive footfall, linking the area to the rest of city. Expect vintage Adidas amongst other classic brands alongsidepieces from up and coming designers at reasonable prices.

 

And of course not forgetting our favourite vintage fair, Vintage Threads which overflows with Vintage and Retro clothes and accessories for both men and women. Aswell as showcasing some of Manchester’s finest vintage dating back from the 1900’s all the way through to modern day retro trends of the ‘80s.

 

In such a tough time for retail, the appeal that vintage has for customers who want affordable, unique style should only be celebrated and pushed forward.

 

Karolyn Judge

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