Chanel Métiers d'Art show in Manchester: Maxine Peake backs homelessness campaign as A-listers arrive in city

Actress Maxine Peake and Manchester homelessness charity Lifeshare have launched a campaign calling for public support to tackle clothing poverty.

Titled, The A/W23 Collection by Lifeshare, the campaign will run parallel to Chanel’s Metiers D’Art show, which is being held in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and is expected to attract celebrities from around the globe.

From Thursday, December 7, the charity will be welcoming clothing donations to support the 7,400 homeless people living across Manchester. Lifeshare is hosting this different kind of ‘collection’ from its offices, just a five-minute walk away from the Chanel catwalk, to help shed a light on the homelessness crisis while the eyes of the world are on the city. 

The charity has revealed demand for its clothing services has risen 158% in the past year. And now famous faces including Peake have pledged to make their own contributions, to develop a collection of clothes designed to help thousands, instead of costing thousands.

“As a long-time supporter of Lifeshare, I’m well aware of the important work they do in supporting Manchester’s homeless community, especially throughout the winter months which are particularly difficult for those that can’t afford to buy clothes – let alone high fashion,” Bolton’s Peake said. 

“I’m proud to have donated practical items like jackets and new underwear, and would encourage anyone else planning to visit the Northern Quarter over the coming days do the same, to help us redefine street fashion and tackle clothing poverty.”

Judith Vickers, Operations Manager at Lifeshare, said: “The eyes of the world are on Manchester as Chanel comes to town, so what better time to showcase the generosity, resilience and fashion that the people of this city have to offer? We look forward to working with the people of Manchester and beyond to help provide support for those who need it most."

As part of the campaign, pre-donated clothes have been photographed by British fashion and portrait photographer, Rankin. Over the years, Rankin has captured an array of fashion megastars including Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner, and Winnie Harlow. 

Clothing collections will be taking place at Lifeshare’s office at 27 Houldsworth St in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on December 7 and 12. All contributions are welcome, with the charity calling for joggers, combats, leggings, new underwear and sleeping bags in particular. Those unable to attend are encouraged to visit the Lifeshare website, where they can support in other ways including monetary donations and volunteering.