Archives for “homeware” tag

Manchester city centre is renowned for its shopping but can seem strongest on high street names and established labels, from sports brands to seriously high-end designers. Dig a bit deeper though and the city’s retail landscape reveals some quirky corners, with Oldham Street’s Thunderegg a veritable treasure trove of kooky finds.

The shop’s two floors brim over with vivid colours and retro- and Japanese-style prints, plastered across clothes, bags and accessories. Stylised fruit and animal designs jostle with Hello Kitty, Paul Frank, the Moomins and all your favourite cartoon and comic characters, alongside an equally large retro clothing range in stripes and ice cream shades.

Much of Thunderegg’s stock is a modern take on retro style, and its youthful clothes are complemented by eye-catching jewellery, accessories and knick-knacks that should appeal to a broader age range. Recent highlights have included rockabilly chic from Brighton’s Get Cutie clothing label and 60s style icon Celia Birtwell’s current homeware range.

Prices are crazily reasonable, and I seem to be unable to leave empty-handed.  So when you’re done with the Northern Quarter’s plethora of vintage head for this Aladdin’s Cave, and lose yourself in a riot of repro. 

What’s now known as Manchester’s Northern Quarter was traditionally home to its garment district, so it’s fitting that the area’s become a Mecca for quirky-clothes shoppers of both sexes. These days the district’s brimming over with vintage outlets but, for me, one of the first takes some beating: bold and breezy Pop Boutique on Oldham Street.

Like the best high street stores Pop has a distinctive and reliable house style; so if you’re after wearable, fun classics from the 60s to the 80s you can rest assured it’s worth diving into its dress, knitwear and separates rails. Unlike many less-established competitors Pop won’t waste your time with garments that look worn, or are just plain old rather than vintage, and if the fabric’s great but the style needs updating they’ll create a whole new dress, pinafore or skirt from it.

Most excitingly for me, Pop’s one of the few vintage shops in the city with a (sadly shrinking) dedicated homeware section, stocking spike-legged coffee tables and far-out 60s glassware and the kitsch-est of 70s kitchenware. The shop also has extensive menswear and accessories sections and there’s even an in-store barber, should you suddenly need some quiffage to go with your new 501s.

Manchester Craft and Design Centre is housed in a market hall which, like much of the city, dates from the Victorian period. But step inside this light-filled space and your focus will move firmly to the contemporary, as you browse the studio-shops of some of Britain’s most creative designer-makers.

Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, the centre offers contemporary jewellery, accessories, homeware, cards and artwork – hand-crafted by the stall-holders and in most cases unique. Jewellery and other trimmings are a main-stay so if you need a special present idea you won’t be disappointed – although you may end up indulging yourself as much as your loved ones.

Artist Lily Greenwood produces swirling butterfly canvases in almost every conceivable size, priced £ 20 – £ 360. Her designs are also available on printed cards, bags, paperweights and even badges, ensuring there’s something for every budget.

Next-door neighbour Jane Blease Design also offers diverse fashion and interiors accessories featuring her trademark wheel motifs, which she hand-embroiders onto veneer lampshades, bookmarks, pendants and brooches.

Finish off with a visit to Oak Street Cafe in the airy central atrium, for homemade treats and a delightful place to take stock of your goodies.