Manchester’s image has been praised by a leading gentleman’s tailor for combining contemporary thinking with old fashioned style.
Savile Row tailor Chester Barrie may be better known for their cuffs and tails than their take on northern life.
But those driving the upcoming collections this spring/summer believe Manchester has put the soul back into the North.
Manchester houses one of the largest retail spaces in the country with the Arndale Shopping arena along with the Trafford Centre to name just two.
Hundreds of vintage to high-end high-street shops are scattered over the famous northern cobbles ensuring a real variety of choice for customers.
Redressing the issue this week at the Great St John’s Hotel, the current autumn and winter line was on display, with exclusive samples of what is to come in 2015.
Christopher Modoo, creative mind behind the brand at Chester Barrie said: “We’ve really moved on with our current line and things have become a lot edgier.
“We are all embracing of style and culture and Manchester’s really taken that aboard.
“Guys now are mixing and matching really smart casual look with a touch of Savile Row style and elegance.”
Film director Danny Boyle has never been one to shy away and wax lyrical about the city’s status.
In the award winning film The Class of ‘92, the 59-year-old paid homage to what he sees as the inescapable influence that Manchester has, praising a legacy which has long been admired far and wide.
Andrew Carroll, Chester Barrie and Richard James concession manager at Manchester’s House of Frasier, have already seen an impression of Mancunian’s embracing a Savile Row style.
Mr Carroll said: “Times are actually changing now. Whereas before your more archetype of customer would just buy a suit, we’re seeing a more blend and wear approach with your knit wear layering.
“In Manchester, evening wear has really taken off as well as heavy checks.
“Younger guys are embracing the traditional brands now, taking a Chester Barrie jacket with a pair of indigo jeans.”
The brand itself is no stranger to northern territory.
In the early days of the Chester Barrie story, which dates back to the 1930’s, the brand took their production to Crewe and saw sales, across the ocean in the states as well as back home, soar.
Suiting in the post flapper era of the twenties became big business.
Gentlemen would have numerous two to three piece suits for all occasions and varying material, from Australian fabrics to coarse, British wools.
Today, throw on jackets with soft cottons and linens are allowing this ready to wear culture to evolve, and with the modern customer in keeping with Savile Row quality.
There are more reflections of the days of old than ever in people’s lives.
New premiered television series’ such as Boardwalk Empire have been influencing the trade, while the success of Leonardo Di Caprio’s Great Gatzby reinvention did little to dampen a new satiable desire for all things smart and measured.
The story continues, and a love affair with quality has grown.
Looking good and dressing well has certainly ensured that Manchester for the moment is a cut above all the rest.
Image courtesy of Chester Barrie, with thanks
