Pretty Green shop review

Where is it?
Pretty Green
81 King Street
Manchester
M2 4ST

History:
The first Pretty Green pop-up store opened in August on Carnaby Street and on the back of its success, Liam Gallagher saw his home town of Manchester as the next logical opening. He said it is “an absolute privilege” to be opening here on a short term lease. The brand draws inspiration from the art scene of the 1960s and has recently won ‘Menswear brand of the year’ at the Drapers awards.

What do they sell?Pretty Green sells all the clothes you’d expect to see Gallagher modelling: £480 trench coats, £85 jeans and £245 khaki parkas give you a pretty clear idea of the shop’s distinctive style.

As well as clothing and a range of colourful scarves, Pretty Green also sells some interestingly designed desert boots at £95. Whilst they aren’t to everyone’s taste, I’m sure they’ll suit the feet of many wannabe rockers trying to live out childhood dreams. Perhaps you could even match them with a £480 black velvet coat if you’re really looking to make an outlandish statement with your style. But if you’re looking for clothes that blend in on the high street, they offer a range of t-shirts at £35 and knitted cardigans for £135. Garments are of a high quality with the brand paying attention to detail, especially with their classic tailoring.

Prices aren’t low, but you’re not just buying a piece of clothing - you’re investing in a slice of a rock star lifestyle, right?

Who shops there?
On the opening day, the shop was abuzz with Gallagher lookalikes in trench coats. Being a menswear label, the shoppers were predominantly male with some doting girlfriends having come along to in the hope of catching a glimpse of the man behind the designs.

Customers ranged from teenagers blowing their budget on one t-shirt, to middle-aged men clinging onto their rockstar dreams. Despite the varied ages, the similar style of all shoppers was evident with many rocking Gallagher’s hairstyle.

Why go there?
A trip to the shop is the equivalent of a pilgrimage for an Oasis fan. Gallagher’s face adorns the walls in the same emotionless pose each time. The shop is spacious with the white walls and huge mirrors adding to the modern look. There’s even space for DJ decks and live bands to entertain shoppers at special events.

Future:
After the King Street opening, Gallagher was flying up to Glasgow to open the brand’s third store on Ingram Street. If that goes well then it’s likely that the brand will continue to expand.

Verdict:
If you’re an Oasis fan then it’s definitely worth a visit. But if you wouldn’t be seen dead in an expensive khaki trench coat then I suggest you’d be better off elsewhere. For £480 you could buy yourself a guitar and in my mind that’s a lot more rock ‘n’ roll.