Night Northern Quarter will NEVER forget

CHANEL’S takeover of the trendy and alternative Northern Quarter was never going to be a quiet, behind-the-scenes affair – Manchester simply wouldn’t allow it.

-  DIANNE BOURNE, JAMES HOLT, JENNA CAMPBELL, MAISIE LAWTON & CAITLIN GRIFFIN

In fact, the luxury fashion brand was welcomed in the most Mancunian way possible – with a downpour.

But naturally, adverse weather conditions didn’t stop both A-list stars and crowds from turning out as Chanel’s Metiers d’Art show wowed the city, completely transforming the historic Thomas Street and the district around it.

While the celebrities and VIPs were chauffeured in specially commissioned black cabs, those looking to catch a glimpse of stars, which included Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton and Manchester-born rapper Aitch, donned cagoules and battered umbrellas as they lined the streets for the show of the year. The 600-strong guest list also included the likes of Kristen Stewart, Alexa Chung and Doctor Who actress Jenna Coleman, alongside local music artists and footballers.

In typical Mancunian fashion, the downpours didn’t dampen any of the excitement though, as groups speculated about which famous faces they hoped to see at an event that truly put Manchester on the global map. Even before the show was underway, crowds packed outside the Stock Exchange as they patiently waited for  big names to arrive. Amongst the gathering crowd, drenched coats and umbrellas, Hugh Grant suddenly emerged, surprising fans. “Omg it’s Hugh! Where the hell did he come from?” One girl said excitedly.

Her friend nodded to the outside of the crowd: “He must have got out nearby and walked in straight through us all – love that!” Grant smiled and said a friendly hello before dipping into the hotel.