Twenty two years old today. We’re all grown up and we’ve suddenly become a strapping young lad of a store. So, let us take you down memory lane, back to the halcyon days, for a retrospective look at some of Red Square’s most iconic periods, incorporating a plethora of notable names from an extensive brand list going back over two decades. Get ready for some blasts from the past!
The Early Years: Rave Culture
On 8th May 1990 Red Square first opened its doors to the good folk of Teesside. Tucked away on the outskirts of Middlesbrough’s town centre Red Square quickly became one of the most popular menswear destinations in the area.
We began trading at the height of a progressive youth subculture, which the authorities deemed unacceptable and demanded be stamped out – it’s always the ways, isn’t it. The man just doesn’t want you to have any fun. However, a futile attempt by the government to eradicate the burgeoning Rave scene only added to the excitement that the period had to offer.
The Acid house scene of the late 80’s was now transforming into massive ‘illegal’ raves all over the country, which seemed impossible to police, but exactly what a disjointed youth needed from years of unsatisfactory rule by the Conservative government. A big player in the rise of the Acid house/Rave scene was the Manchester club, The Hacienda.
Described by Newsweek magazine as “…the most famous club in the world” The Hacienda was at its height during the Madchester scene of the early 90’s, which had a lot of crossover connections with Rave. Amongst many others, the principal Madchester bands consisted of 808 State, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Stone Roses and James.
During the whole 90’s Rave/Madchester scene Red Square was beginning to find its feet as a young clothing store aimed at the very people who were discovering that, when it came to creating an individual identity, music, clothes, art and films were one in the same.
During this period we supplied brands such as; NAF NAF, Chipie, Custard Shop, Passenger – printed rave t-shirts for the big mash up, Gio Goi, Daniel Poole and Dossee Possee. I suppose it goes to show that the times really do reflect the threads.
The Mid 90’s: Cool Britannia Reigns
Moving on to the mid 90’s when everything seemed right with the world. Labour had just deposed the Conservatives from eighteen years of governing and the economy was on the up. Britain seemed to get its mojo back and the entire cultural landscape seemed fresh, modern and intensely ripe to take over the world once more. There was an air optimism and thoughts of swinging London had returned to an invigorated country. This was an era where cultural mediums converged into one whole entity. British music, fashion, art, television, films, books and politics became the envy of the world. Finally, a nation to be proud of!
The reinvigorated cultural industries saw a huge rise in British branding, especially within the fashion industry. Brands such as; Aquascutum, Boxfresh, Mau Mau, Nigel Cabourn, Fred Perry and Burro all came through to Red Square as we supported this exciting time.
Red Square’s Italian Connection
Over the years Red Square has also flirted with a more continental type of product. In the early 00’s Italian high fashion was the must have for all style conscious young chaps. As long time admirers of the Italian tailoring we were thrilled to be able to stock exclusive brands like; Moschino, Iceberg, Valentino Sport and Versace.
Denim Dominates
Denim has, and always will be, big news for men’s style. However, a period in the noughties saw denim rise to exceptional heights. A certain Mr Beckham kicked it all off when he was spotted wearing a pair of Evisu jeans. G-Star, Diesel, Wrangler, Lee, Liberto and Chambers all became very big during this period and we were lucky enough to stock every single one of them.
Today, Edwin is Red Square’s, and the industry’s, most popular and influential denim brand.
Streetwear Supreme
Throughout our twenty two year history a constant thread through our vast tapestry has been the inclusion of streetwear to our array of brands. We are massive streetwear enthusiasts and we have championed its popularity from our very beginning. One of our longest standing streetwear brands has to be the incomparable, Carhartt. The Carhartt brand began life as an American work wear brand, which has evolved into a streetwear brand in European and Japanese territories.
Over the years we have stocked many streetwear brands such as; Stussy, Silas, Fresh Jive – a 90’s brand known for being one of the originators of streetwear culture, Alife, Crooks & Castles, The Hundreds, Undefeated, Carhartt and many, many more, far too many to mention.
Well, it’s been an enjoyable jaunt back in time. We hope you’ve enjoyed our little analysis and we look forward to celebrating the next 22 years in business. Thanks for all of your support over the years, it is you that has made us the store we are today.
