Alex Christopher is an award winning Designer and owner of the Each To Their Own Boutiques, independent stores holding men’s and women’s wear collections from Designers all over the UK as well as Alex’s very own label, Alex Christopher. The cool Manchester flagship store can be found in Barton Arcade and on our visit we found that it really encapsulates a sense of independent creativity and forward thinking. An array of exclusive garments channeling classic concepts with a playful twist!
STYLEetc sat down with Alex to discuss all things fashion and to find out a bit more about his ambitions as a Designer…
I got into fashion by accident; I started off customising my own clothes as I couldn’t find anything in the shops that I wanted! My friends then wanted their clothes customising and it grew from there really.
To be perfectly honest with you I don’t follow fashion, I know that may sound strange. Obviously Vivienne Westwood is a big influence as she has built a business from customising and she also didn’t go to University for any formal training in fashion. It’s hard as I’m half business man from building up my shops Each to Their Own, and half designer from my own label!
I gain inspiration from the weirdest of things and places, I’ve been doodling designs on napkins on planes before, always trying to make the designs commercial but with my own edge.
My boutiques are named after the old saying, ‘Each To Their Own,’ and the idea behind it all came from wanting somewhere to stock my own design as well as the designs of other like-minded independent designers.
I’m so proud of my new women’s-wear collection, and the quality of the new men’s garments is amazing. At the moment I’m loving the new knitwear collection! It’s taken a year to find the right manufacturers and quality. I’m really pleased! I’ve also got a new jewellery range coming out soon and then hopefully something really exciting planned for Summer 2014, so watch this space!
I’m really impressed that tartan is seen as a key trend this season, it’s something I’ve always liked working with. It’s made my women’s ware collection much more desirable. Girls buy into it as a trend rather than standing out from the crowd.
I have a few staples in my own fashion closet, such as my black skinnies, trench coat and my vintage Levi cut-off jacket. When my knitwear comes in it may replace my jacket…or i’ll just throw some on over the top!
If I could give some advice to any aspiring Fashionistas I’d say be prepared for it to become your life! But most importantly have fun with it, because it is your life!!
Each To Their Own currently has stores in Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds and is now online too at www.eachtotheirown.co.uk, so everyone can get their hands on these edgy and individual items!
Alex Christopher at eachtotheirown.co.uk
STYLEetc Quick-Fire Questionnaire with Alex Christopher:
Favourite season:
Summer
Favourite city:
Manchester
Favourite book:
My book on Porsche’s! Great present from a great friend!
Favourite movie:
The Avengers
Favourite actor:
Ryan Gosling
Favourite actress:
Eva Mendes..Obvious reasons!
Favourite singer:
Can I pick DJ?
Favourite band:
The 1975
Favourite drink:
Gin and Tonic
By Grace Fleming
