London in the 60s was the home of the mod and psychedelic fashion movements, just as Manchester was the place for Britpop and Madchester style in the 80s and 90s. These trailblazing boutiques demonstrate that there’s more to Birmingham’s fashion history than the metalhead look.
Winner of Drapers Menswear Independent of the Year 2016, Liquor Store is located in the centre of Birmingham’s Colmore business district. Boasting a selection of the best in classic and modern brands, Liquor Store has something for men, women and the home.
Giving purpose to the paradoxically named Needless Alley, the Disorder menswear boutique has brought award-winning shopping and tailoring experience to the heart of Birmingham. Their own brand of limited edition “Fashion Forward Future Classic” clothing promises high end unique designs at competitive prices. Disorder also stocks brands for women and has been lauded by Mary Portas as “one of the cleverest retailers I have seen in years”.
With a focus on artists, designs and culture of Birmingham and the West Midlands, Provide epitomises independent design and retail. Specialising in streetwear, accessories and art prints, Provide aims to be ethical in terms of sourcing its products while providing (pun intended) a uniquely Brummie shopping experience and range of clothing. As proof of their uncompromising approach to being different, Provide boycotted 2016’s Black Friday sales event saying “Engineered and forced consumption on a mass scale is irresponsible and tasteless, so by not allowing you to buy anything today we’re opting out of the madness. Besides, if we could afford to offer huge discounts on everything, wouldn’t that mean it was all overpriced in the first place?”
Gingermegs is a vintage clothing boutique specialising in a wide range of styles from the first half of the 20th century. Although the bulk of items are vintage ladies’ clothes, there are specialist men’s items and if you’re after something very specific, Gingermegs is a good place to start your search. Located in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter – a hub of creative, independent spaces and businesses – Gingermegs is open to the public on Saturdays and by appointment in the week. Or, you can check out their Etsy store.
It’s hard to miss Birmingham’s COW branch. Their bright yellow warehouse shutters are a familiar fixture of the Digbeth high street, and inside is one of the biggest stocks of vintage goodies in Birmingham. Menswear and womenswear, smart and sporty, head to toe, COW have everything vintage you can think of. It’s also branching out into an events space, putting on nights such as band EP launches and Halloween parties.
