Our city’s reputation as a capital of cool precedes it, and that’s thanks in no small part to what the locals are wearing. If tribalism is dead clearly someone forgot to tell Manchester, with myriad cultures, subcultures, crews, factions and communities that make up this glorious metropolis proudly wearing clothes that represent them on a daily basis. For the last three decades, Hervia has been supplying some of the best dressed in town with fresh wares, bringing sartorial excellence, cutting edge luxury styles, and the hottest emerging British designers to its base on upmarket King Street.
Situated in one of the city’s most subtly spectacular addresses — complete with giant doorway featuring a statue of Atlas carrying the globe — the refined tone is set before you walk through the entrance. Once inside, you’ll quickly get a sense for the heritage behind Hervia, which has been learning how to catch eyes with exclusive, bold threads since opening in 1993. Back then, it was one of few outlets retailing avant-garde collections from the likes of Alexander McQueen. In the years since, there have been countless collaborations with brands such as Adidas Y-3, establishing the store as a beacon of style.
Today, you’ll find menswear and womenswear from Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, COMME des GARÇONS and Y-3 as well as pieces from Jean Paul Gaultier, Adidas x Wales Bonner, Jil Sander, Shaun Leane. There’s a real focus on offering a platform to up and comers, too, spotlighting new talent as they become established, helping makers put their work in the spotlight. “Every curated piece embodies the spirit of the creator,” we’re told, emphasising the overall approach here. And this continues through to the footwear, jewellery, accessories and fragrances, alongside a well-chosen selection of broader gift ideas. 30 years on and still the definition of what a luxury shopping experience should feel like, we don’t know where things would be without Hervia.