Celebs from around the world will be arriving in Manchester today, ahead of the Metiers D’Art show, being held by fashion house Chanel on the Northern Quarter’s Thomas Street.
But running in parallel to the show will be a campaign to raise awareness of the city’s homeless community, lead by actress Maxine Peake, with help from A-list photographer Rankin.
A/W23 Collection by Lifeshare is a collection drive for the Lifeshare charity, Manchester’s oldest homelessness charity, which will be taking donations of clothes at its offices, just a few minutes walk from where the Chanel show will take place.
The charity has revealed that demand for its clothing services has risen a staggering 158% in the past year, while the Manchester homeless community numbers around 7,400 people.
Some of the pre-donated clothes for the campaign have been photographed by Rankin, who’s worked with the world’s most famous fashion houses and magazines, as well as the likes of Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner and Winnie Harlow.
Commenting on the campaign’s launch, Maxine Peake said: “As a long-time supporter of Lifeshare, I’m well aware of the important work they do in supporting Manchester’s homeless community, especially throughout the winter months which are particularly difficult for those that can’t afford to buy clothes – let alone high fashion.
“I’m proud to have donated practical items like jackets and new underwear, and would encourage anyone else planning to visit the Northern Quarter over the coming days do the same, to help us redefine street fashion and tackle clothing poverty.”
Judith Vickers, Operations Manager at Lifeshare, said: “At least one in 74 people in Manchester are homeless, and we’ve been experiencing unprecedented levels of demand for our services as the temperature has dropped. In the past year alone, we’ve seen demand for clothes rise by 158%.
“The eyes of the world are on Manchester as Chanel comes to town, so what better time to showcase the generosity, resilience and fashion that the people of this city have to offer? We look forward to working with the people of Manchester and beyond to help provide support for those who need it most.”
Clothing collections will be taking place at the Lifeshare office at 27 Houldsworth St in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on 7 and 12 December.
All donations are welcome, but there is a particular need for joggers, combats, leggings, new underwear and sleeping bags.
