It’s perhaps considered old news that the patriotism in and around Manchester has always been infectious. The sense of community emanates throughout the city and its surrounding towns, and it’s now more than ever universally sought to from tourists all over the world. Though now a commercially thriving cosmopolitan district, there are still so many snippets around Manchester which preserve its industrial heritage.
Situated on the outskirts of South Greater Manchester, Altrincham Market retains the intimate sense of community through craftsmanship, style, food & drink, music and everything else in between. Up until around fifteen years ago, the markets housing and surrounding shop units had been left for ruin for some time through the demise of the town. However, after a huge push in funding it has become hugely popular for its eclectic assortment of goods and services.
The intricately and cleverly displayed stalls represent the painstaking weeks, months and years of passion that have gone into characterising a business and lifestyle. In a society inundated with fast fashion and mass production, it’s so easy to mull over the effort which has been fuelled into these locally produced garments, accessories, meticulously hand-picked and restored furnishings and vintage clothing amongst other work. It’s a refreshing break from high street shopping; where talented creatives sell work they take pride in making, and want you to love it just as much they do. There is evidently a huge clientele for this retailing, the hustle and bustle of the market never seems too short of hectic.
Amongst the whirlwind of bustling conversations echoing around the market, there is also a platform for local musical artists to perform and entertain throughout the day. Manchester is without a doubt, relentlessly acclaimed for producing arguably some of the worlds best musicians during the 80s and 90s Britpop era. The likes of The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and of course Oasis set the bar for Mancunian music, along-side an ever-influencing fashion scene, something that is still so distinct in Manchester today. Altrincham market doesn’t shy from illustrating this culture.
Joe and Co Denim describe themselves as “purveyors & garment engineers of Japanese, British & Italian raw selvedge denim jeans & workwear from Manchester”. They have curated an immense Gallagheresque aesthetic both in their stall and their designs, whilst also maintaining a sense of originality. The work is proudly British, having its wool spun in a Victorian Mill in Dunkfield, one of the last standing commercially spinning mills in the UK, surfacing in garments such as the ‘MANCMAK’.
The reconditioning of industrial workwear through the likes of Carhartt WIP, Dickies and LEVIS has proliferated in current male and female streetwear fashion, something which is evident throughout Joe and Co designs. The gentleman working at the stall, who seemed genuinely passionate about the commerce, explained that they had just finalised the perfect ladies fitting alternative jean; after nearly fifteen months of designing. He went on to tell me that the week previous to my visit they had launched the new product at a Denim Hang event at Manchester Union Brewery, celebrating and supporting British denim, boots and beer.
In what can sometimes be a male dominating underground aesthetic, I thought it was both invigorating and important that they were pushing for women’s alternative fittings. He went on to tell me that the boxy jackets are hugely popular with women. Likely, perhaps, as they fit an inclusive unisex aesthetic, resonating with the likes of Folk and YMC.
The attention to detail and abundant effort that is exhibited in their craft is second to none, further demonstrating Altrincham Market’s mission statement. The pure British wool and British Millerain wax over shirts are smart and come in some interesting colour blends. Considering the high quality sourced salvaged denim and local production, the garments are affordable and easily accessible in the North West where there are, in my experience, limited independent shops stocking this calibre and style of clothing. The women’s designs are yet to be posted on their website but can be viewed on their Instagram: @Joeandcodenim (and hopefully at the market soon).
Wolf & Gypsy is another beautifully thought out concept and stall at the market place. Tori, the designer and a true creative, has designed some insane handmade jewellery – inspired by her travels and adventures. Her stall is curated just as beautifully as her Instagram (@Wolfngypsy), just from a quick glance at either it becomes apparent that a seeming amount of passion has gone into her craft.
Created using white & yellow gold, silver & gold vermeil, rounded off with extremely affordable diamonds, her work has a hugely unique selling point, making me want to pierce my ears for every available earring. Luckily Tori currently has a piercing pop up at Bottega, a boutique concept and lifestyle store in Cheshire. I had my rook and orbital pierced by her, in addition to changing out eight of my other existing piercings for her ethereal designs. She has an amazing eye for piercing with some really interesting ideas that I haven’t come across before. Her work often encompasses motifs with the likes of scorpions and snakes; you only have to look at her editorial images to see how amazing her designs are. Her delightful bohemian and spiritual nature is infectious and I’m really looking forward to her future ventures.
Around the corner from Tori’s Wolf & Gypsy stall, is Gerry Jones Vintage (@Gerryjonesvintage), whom Tori was super excited for us to meet, exhibiting the insanely supportive and friendly nature of Altrincham Market. It was evident that Gerry, like Tori, had invested so much into her brand and was again, hugely impassioned by what she has created. She sells striking circa 1960s – 2000s clothing, with an emphasis on garments and accessories from the 1970s. These include some unreal silk smoking jackets, which I made a little purchase on and endeavour to wear every day from now on.
Her stock is priced so keenly that it puts these insane vintage pieces in the category of most budgets, where there are no silly mark-ups. Gerry has a real eye for hero vintage clothing and seems to have a rich local source. Her goods range from statement logo pieces comparatively with YSL and Burberry, to some insanely stylish archetypical clothing and accessories. The quality of her products is outstanding and if like me, you could spend hours on end browsing vintage collections, her charming stall is a must visit. It became apparent collecting vintage produce was something Gerry has spent years doing, as she explained how her house is packed completely full to the brim of replete railings. She was so eager to help and went on to assure us if there was anything we were looking for; she would try and source it.
Amidst the vast diversity of craft and design, there is a separate designated kitchen area which features an eclectic assortment of stalls specialising in coffee, veganism, chocolate, and bars; offering some of the UK’s most renowned craft beers. Altrincham Market has become an experience to be enjoyed by all and a real pioneer for its trade outside of London. It’s bustling, exciting and refreshingly human. I love the restoration of the market culture. In a society imbued on communication through a screen, it’s such an important and cheerful approach to retail. The Market prides itself on its locally sourced and produced goods, and it’s important in this current climate that consumers are supporting these decisions, as well as the immense endeavour by artisans, designers, and all other craftsmen and women.
Phoebe Brightmore
Images:
Altrincham market: @altrinchammkt (Twitter)
Joe and Co denim: https://wearejoeandco.com/
Wolf and Gypsy: https://www.facebook.com/wolfngypsy/
Gerry Jones vintage: https://www.facebook.com/Gerry-Jones-Vintage-175117016508428/
PoK – 27.06.19
The PoK Archives 