Manchester’s Creative Takeover
Aesthetics: A creative space for all, as the city steps into the spotlight.
In recent years, Manchester has emerged as a city where creativity thrives, gaining attention for its unique contributions to the art world. Last year, the city took center stage with its own major fashion show hosted by Chanel, marking a significant moment in its journey. But how has this spotlight come about? The answer lies in the creative individuals who call Manchester home, people who are passionate, driven, and dedicated to turning their dreams into reality.
When it comes to fashion, Manchester is steadily carving out its place as a key player. No longer just a city known for its music scene, Manchester is quickly becoming recognized as one of the UK's most exciting fashion hubs. The city's growing influence in fashion is making waves, and many are beginning to see it as a potential rival to London, perhaps even surpassing it. What makes Manchester stand out is the vibrant, diverse fashion scene that embraces a multitude of styles, where individuality and creative expression are at the forefront.
As someone who lives in Manchester, I can attest to the palpable energy in the air. There’s a feeling that Manchester is on the verge of something big, and I can’t wait for the city to fully claim its moment in the creative spotlight. But achieving this recognition isn't just about waiting for it to happen—it’s about coming together as a creative community, lifting each other up, and making our voices heard. Together, we can create the momentum needed for Manchester to truly shine.
One key aspect of this creative awakening is the increasing number of events bringing artists, designers, and performers together. I had the privilege of attending one such event, Aesthetics 2, which was a celebration of art, fashion, and connection. Curated by Saint, a multidisciplinary visual artist whose preferred mediums are photography, film, and sculpture.
Aesthetics is more than just an event—it's a platform for creatives to meet, collaborate, and showcase their work.
The event featured live art installations, fashion shows, a pop-up marketplace, and spoken word performances, all under one roof. As an attendee, I felt immediately welcomed by the warm and inclusive atmosphere. The artwork on display was striking, and the event’s opening set the tone, allowing creators to showcase their talent while encouraging the audience to share their own voices—whether through poetry or other forms of expression.
While the fashion show itself didn't entirely blow me away in terms of the garments presented, what truly stood out was the energy of the event. It was inspiring to see so many emerging designers bravely sharing their collections, knowing the courage it takes to present your work to the world. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the journey, the growth, and the opportunity for designers to gain exposure and expand their reach.
Whilst at the event I got to talk to Saint and get to know him as creative. Where I got to ask him some questions such as;
Tell Me About This Event and Why Now
“Aesthetics was born from a desire for visibility. When I moved to Manchester in 2020 and worked at Pie Radio, I was quickly immersed in the city’s vibrant creative scene. But once I left, I saw that many incredibly talented creatives weren’t getting the recognition they deserved. I wanted to create a platform to showcase their art to those who would truly appreciate it. The idea fully formed for me after attending London Fashion Week—seeing firsthand how art and fashion can seamlessly merge. My dad always says, “Don’t leave till tomorrow what you can do today,” and with Manchester’s creative scene on the rise, I felt it was essential to lay the foundations now for strong structures in the future. I see fashion as just another medium of art, and this event is my way of shining a light on Manchester’s creative brilliance.” By Saint
What’s Your Message to People Who Attend This Event?
“My message is simple: there is space for you here. I want every attendee to feel that the art, the stories, and the creative energy on display could just as easily be theirs. It’s about inspiring you to show up for yourself and share your unique perspective. I’ve seen the magic happen—like during our spoken word performances, where one performer’s words sparked another’s desire to take the stage. It warms my heart to see people connect in such a safe and creatively charged environment.” By Saint
What’s Your Dream for Manchester?
“My dream for Manchester is for us to recognize and celebrate the incredible talent and creativity within this city—to build our own global hub for innovation and creativity, just like London, Paris, or New York. The success of Aesthetics has me asking, why not have a Manchester Fashion Week? I envision more unique art spaces where the city’s strong sense of community can shine. Ultimately, I hope Manchester embraces its distinct character rather than trying to be a copy of another city, paving the way for a truly original creative movement.” By Saint
Courage is often what separates dreamers from doers, and seeing Saint take that bold step forward was truly inspiring. It reminded me that with enough determination, anything is possible and that’s what makes events like Aesthetics so important. They provide a space for creativity to flourish, for people to take risks, and for the creative community to thrive.
I’m already looking forward to attending the next Aesthetics event and can't wait to see even more talent on display. If you’re in Manchester, I highly recommend checking it out, you might just discover the next big thing in fashion, art, or performance.
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