A Voyage of Vintage Discovery In Hull (1/3) By Jo Allison

(1/3), (2/3). (3/3).

The world's fashion capitals have never to my knowledge once included the lovely English northern city of Hull, but perhaps this is about to change. Hull, not notorious for its fashion sense (unless you are a fan of extensive gold jewellery, tracksuits with the obligatory tucked in socks or small scraps of brightly coloured lycra masquerading as tops) has always had a underground savvy fashion scene just waiting to strut its stuff.

With new boutiques popping up, and already established mini fashion houses becoming even more popular, perhaps Hull may finally be up there with the big fashion boys. Jo Allison starts off this trek through Hulls hottest haunts by checking out some of the best boutiques and sexiest second hand shops in Hull.

Beasleys has been situated in Hull for 20 years, and started out as a lowly university market stall many moons ago. The shop is still run by Frances Beasley down the Hepworth Arcade and has moved with the times, as well as holding onto its original vintage feel. There used to be a lack of retro shops in Hull, but not any more, says Frances Beasley.

This doesn't stop the shop from being immensely popular, and caters mainly for 15 to 25 year olds, many of them at the university. Downstairs there is an abundance of Paul Frank street wear; the cheeky monkeys face evidently appealing to the younger market.

With t-shirts such as the Criminal Damage black polo shirt with printed silver safety pins, it allows kids to relive the punk era without the danger of actual safety pins: how thoughtful. Also downstairs there are numerous accessories of studded belts, shoes, and jewellery to finish off the teen-emo look. Beasleys also has one of the coolest changing rooms I've ever seen, plastered with busy flyers and posters, they blend the fashion and music cultures together perfectly.

Upstairs is more my personal domain with the beautiful silk scarves leading you up a stairway to vintage heaven. As many of the retro items are shipped in from America expect to see a variety of baseball jackets and vests, which have proved to be big sellers. Also scattered around the small but perfectly formed room are vintage dresses, in floral and sparkles, logo t-shirts, handmade bags, belts, jeans and cowboy styles to boot.

For girls there are some real bargains to be had, with little tops and skirts starting at just £5. I succumbed to purchasing a sparkly brown cropped shirt number, a slippery slope, which I feel may be a reoccurring pattern throughout my vintage investigations! The next stop on my vintage voyage through Hull was Chinese Laundry. Positioned in perhaps one of the most exciting shopping area in Hull, Savile Street, this little shop is a breath of fresh air from the overpriced designer wear.

Continued ... Next Page (2/3)

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