Manchester Fashion Movement (MFM) has partnered with Quayside MediaCity to launch a new retail and studio space called MFM Kiosk. The space delivers a new retail concept by collaborating with independent brands with a focus on sustainability. It will also offer an inclusive studio space for exhibitions, performances, art installations and conversations.
The space reimagines the shopping experience and aims to engage the local community with conversations around sustainability through an innovative retail approach whilst reflecting the MFM message of social inclusion and connectedness, kindness to people and planet, creativity, circularity, and collaboration.
MFM aims to transport people out of the traditional shopping experience exploring contemporary modern living through the lens of community voices and stories.
Originally from Derry, Alison Carlin, co-founder of MFM Kiosk and Manchester Fashion Movement, moved to Manchester 28 years ago to study Media Performance at University of Salford whilst immersing herself in the city’s arts and culture scene. Alison went on to carve out a successful career in sales and business and developed a wealth of experience in connecting people and businesses together.
Using this passion and creativity, Alison wanted to make her own mark and play a role in encouraging people to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Merging the worlds, the Sustainable Fashion Party and MFM were born. The movement is to create a world that works for everyone and to spark valuable conversations on sustainability with varying audiences.
Alison Carlin says: “The aim of introducing MFM Kiosk to MediaCity was to provide people with an alternative way to shop and give the curation of local brands visibility in a concept store space. Responsible fashion focuses on timelessness and quality, using materials and finishes that are made to last so kinder to the environment.
“We have curated a range of brands that are passionate about slow and sustainable fashion, with the aim to engage the local community.We want to be able to give people options, empower them to make sustainable decisions and engage with our circular fashion movement in a way they can relate to.”
MFM Kiosk has created a space with independent brands which are ethical and sustainable or made to order, acting as a concept store to showcase creativity and talent in the local community.
Established brands showcasing and selling their products in the concept store include Hera Vintage, Hedonist, Gbadebo, Revor Vintage, Nfôöwear Knitwear, Edward De Lacy, Sylkstore, Both Barrels bags and many more.
Alongside the concept store is a studio space which acts as an incubator hub that can be utilised by recent fashion design graduate students from universities such as Salford, Bolton, and Manchester Metropolitan Universities. Designer, Mariusz Malon, a recent fashion graduate, whose works have been seen on the likes of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Winner, Bimini Bon Boulash will take the space to showcase genderless wearable art with creative textures.
Over the course of the year events, installations, exhibitions, and pop-up stores will take place allowing local and far-reaching communities in Greater Manchester and beyond the opportunity to discover purpose driven, independent brands, bringing to life the true language and meaning of sustainability.
MFM Kiosk is located at Quayside MediaCity, the waterside community that’s part of Salford Quays in Greater Manchester.
