Jenessa Williams on updating your summer threads via local retailers
Could 2018 be one of the warmest summers of this decade? While the extra dose of Vitamin D is deeply appreciated, it is throwing our wardrobes into disarray – who the hell in Yorkshire bothers with a proper ‘summer’ wardrobe?
While we’ve all got our holiday bits lurking in the back of the wardrobe ready for these elusive heatwave moments, the fact remains that recycling the same old crop top and shorts combo gets very tiring (not to mention a teeny bit unprofessional) when you’re going about your business in Leeds City Centre as opposed to chilling on a beach in Cancun. Luckily, there is a whole bunch of Yorkshire creatives who have your back – localise your summer wardrobe and invest in some high-quality pieces from our recommendations below.
Lucy & Yak
While technically our South Yorkshire cousins due to their location in Barnsley, there is barely a Headingley hipster left who doesn’t own a pair of Lucy & Yak dungarees. Available in a variety of colours with accessible sizing, the breezy fit of the leg makes them great for work wear or play – simply swap out a blouse for a bandeau underneath and you’re good to go. Best of all, they pride themselves on operating ethically, supporting the living wage and regularly offering sample sales so no leftover designs go to waste.
The Felt Tip Fanboy
Like your band tees with a touch more pizazz? The Felt Tip Fan Boy immortalises your faves in excellent slacker punk aesthetics, with everyone from Skepta to The Cribs getting the Crayola treatment. Tuck into high- waisted shorts for an easy festival look, or team with oversized check shirt and jeans when the warm weather inevitably comes to an end.
Loon Moon Jewellery
If your summer staples are already in place, add some quirky jewellery thanks to Loon Moon. A master of air-dry clay, there is nothing that cannot be made by this brand, whether it be avocado necklaces or pet commissions that hold a startlingly likeness. Lovely owner Tasha even immortalised my face in brooch form as a recent commission – because if you can’t be narcissistic in your summer style, when can you?
Eden Keshia
Splitting her time between London and Leeds, Eden is an Arts University Fashion Design graduate, and a very talented one at that. Having interned for the likes of Tom Ford and Hermione De Paula, she is now open to bespoke commissions, perfect for those seeking something unique for a summer wedding or special event. We’re particularly sold on her metallic work with recycled leather – Leeds Fest here we come.
Caton Manifesto
Making waves as one of the North’s leading new fashion houses, Caton Manifesto was born right in our fair city. Creating easy tailoring for the modern man, creative director Antony Caton used his PR degree from Leeds Uni to create an early buzz, wearing his own work on nights out in the city and proving that sharp lines can be worn without the stifling fabrics of the traditional suit.
For summer, invest in a ‘Magnate’ smock which hangs elegantly over jeans, or go made-to-measure for the perfect suit jacket.
Welcome Skate Store
With a bricks and mortar shop in the Thortons Arcade, Welcome have your back for all your summer shoe needs. Shop from an array of familiar brands, or check out their ‘Don’t Mess With Yorkshire’ range – tees, totes and accessories that all display your local pride in a selection of summer hues.
