Manchester Fashion Week : An unforgettable experience.
Two months ago, I had the privilege of showcasing at the Manchester Fashion Week x The Club Preloved takeover event.
This was my first time at a Fashion week event and I wasn’t just attending - I was showcasing. My brand was invited to exhibit at one of the official Manchester Fashion Week venues at The Dome Manchester where I curated a minimalist booth that reflected the values at the core of my work: craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless design.
A Venue Steeped in Character
Set inside the stunning Dome, the venue struck that ideal balance of being outside and inside at the same time. It even rained which made it feel almost magical, the entire atmosphere felt calm, intentional, and quietly sophisticated—exactly the environment I hoped would complement my pieces. There was an undeniable sense of anticipation, but also an appreciation for slower, more thoughtful fashion. It felt less like a marketplace and more like a charming exhibit.
Curating My Space: Luxury in Simplicity
For my booth, I chose a minimalist layout that allowed each piece to speak for itself. My display featured a restored vintage compactum from Evalon Resto which complemented my collection perfectly as it was designed for men’s clothing. I wanted visitors to step into a small world of creativity, an invitation to pause, observe and appreciate the intentional details that often go unnoticed in fast fashion.
The collection of upcycled clothing I showcased featured my signature style blazers and waistcoats, seeing people connect with my designs and purchase them with such certainty was a moment I will never forget.
Live Upcycling: Craft as Performance
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was how I got to do live upcycling at my booth. Guests were captivated by the process of how I transform men’s preloved suits into bold and elevated pieces. During the event I also had the pleasure of sewing on a button onto a jacket for another Club Preloved member selling preloved clothing with the customer waiting! Now that’s something you don’t see quite often, it honestly felt like a real community in that Dome, not just another marketplace.
People often think of sustainability as an aesthetic sacrifice but with my brand Sarafina M - I wanted to show the opposite. That the combination of craftsmanship and creativity can produce pieces that feel bespoke, intentional and inherently luxurious even though they are preloved.
(pic)with Naomi from Evalon Resto wearing a Sarafina M Upcycled Signature Set
The conversations that I had during these demonstrations were meaningful and inspiring. From fellow designers to stylists, to customers discovering the brand for the first time, it became a space where ideas, values, and promising future collaborations were formed.
There was a collective sense that fashion can be both expressive and responsible, both bold and understated. Manchester Fashion Week x The Club Preloved takeover proved that luxury doesn’t need excess—it thrives in clarity, intention, and authenticity.
(pic) Some of the Club Preloved members
What I Took Home
Returning from the experience, I took with me a new appreciation for slow fashion and the power of community. This experience was beyond validating and has shaped the direction of my brand.
Showcasing at Manchester Fashion Week was more than an event, it was a milestone. A reminder of why I value thoughtful design, craftsmanship and intentional fashion.
As the brand continues to grow, I hope to bring you pieces that reflect the same spirit I felt during that unforgettable day in Manchester: conscious, grounded and beautifully timeless.