On a quiet afternoon before Manchester's bustling weekend of Parklife, Take That at the Etihad, and an England match, the city's Northern Quarter was already awash with England kits. Amidst the pre-game buzz, two architecture students became the focus of a street style spotlight.
Maria Cardan, 23, layered a Aelfric Eden hoodie over a Bershka shirt and Pull&Bear top, paired with Urban Outfitters cargo camo trousers, Buffalo shoes, and Moody MuMu socks. Her accessories included bracelets from Portobello Market, rings from ReMarket in Manchester, and Hawkers sunglasses, totalling an estimated £300. Maria, who began posting outfit videos last year, sees fashion as a creative outlet alongside her architecture studies.
Karl Gellamucho's Basketball-Inspired Look
Karl Gellamucho, also 23 and an architecture student, wore an Abercrombie & Fitch top, UNIQLO shorts, and ANTA basketball-style shoes with colourful laces. He cited NBA player Devin Booker as a style inspiration, but emphasised comfort above all.
Actor Talyaan Pambou's DIY Style
Talyaan Pambou, 25, was shopping with his girlfriend when stopped for a 'fit check'. His red jacket, a gift from a college friend, evoked a James Dean aesthetic. He paired it with a Boohoo Toy Story alien T-shirt, a bandana from a hair shop, ASOS cargo jeans, and personalised shoes wrapped with gothic chokers and a flannel shirt. His hat was from Urban Outfitters, and headphones were a birthday gift from his girlfriend's parents, whom he calls his style icon. Talyaan cited influences including Jimi Hendrix, Tyler the Creator, Ozzy Osbourne, A$AP Rocky, and Johnny Depp.
Lyra Auld: Go-Go Boots on the Ground Journalism
Lyra Auld, a Local Democracy Reporter, wore Stradivarius trousers and shoes, her dad's shirt, and charity shop finds. She described her style as 'chunky gaudy' inspired by Schiaparelli and Berlin's fashion scene. Her baggy trousers, she joked, allow her to 'jump out of a plane and fly'.
Tasha: People-Watching in the Northern Quarter
Tasha, 25, a preschool worker, was on her way to an anniversary meal. Her outfit included second-hand Doc Martens from Vinted for £60, Urban Outfitters socks and pants, a Zara shirt from a charity shop, a bolo tie from a Sheffield costume shop, a Vinted jacket, and her girlfriend's bag. She draws inspiration from people-watching in the Northern Quarter and lesbian culture.
Morgana and Mia: High-End and Vintage Finds
Morgana wore Rick Owens heels from Depop for £250, Courtney Love's jeans from a Vinted sale for £60, a Balenciaga red jacket for £400, Primark earrings, and a fake mink handbag. Mia sported a New York thrift shop jacket, Arbrea face, Vinted sunglasses, and Urban Outfitters items. Their shared style inspiration: 'Parisian transsexuals'.
