Alternative Leeds Alternative Leeds: a behind-the-scenes look at Birds Yard

We glimpse inside Leeds' newCorn Exchange - the wonderfully quirky Birds Yard

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Alternative Leeds: Alternative Leeds: a behind-the-scenes look at Birds Yard

Since the Corn Exchange evolved from its bohemian original self into the sleek contemporary location we have now, Leeds has been noticeably low on the alternative, independent shopping front. So when Birds Yard appeared on the scene, Leeds independent and creative talent found a new home.

Gathering a friendly team of local talent, Michelle Watson of Birdshell Vintage (mother of Birds Yard) has created an incredible shopping location at 83 Kirkgate, which brings together an eclectic mix of stalls with a unique and magnificent creative retail space. Birds Yard has truly recaptured the spirit of the old style Corn Exchange.

The ground floor is occupied by Michelle’s Birdshell vintage clothing, specialising is over-the-top, glamorous evening wear: think sequinned showgirl numbers and brightly-coloured taffeta, items that would be hard to come by in any ordinary vintage store. Alongside Birdshell stand numerous exciting concessions: such as vintage inspired garments from Ages of Elegance, Beth Hirst Couture Hats and kitsch jewellery from Life’s Big Canvas.

On the first floor is Kee’s Boutique, a cute vintage clothing boutique specialising in pretty 40s and 50s inspired dresses and accessories. Beating Arts is in the next room, a wonderful contemporary team of two sisters creating printed tees and carved leather, this season their theme is Voodoo and they are donating some of their profits to the Haiti Relief charity.

Before you take the stairs up towards the light, visit a surreal, atmospheric room filled with vintage and customised furniture and a gathering of mannequins wearing wigs and glasses, this is Butterfly Attic and all that is on display is for sale, including the mannequins.

The third floor features a stunning space filled with natural light, at the moment this space is filled with random mannequins featuring some of the stallholder’s most remarkable pieces, including an elaborate couture parachute dress by Daisy Cutter and a stunning pink chiffon prom dress from Birdshell, which recently featured in a breathtaking promotional photo shoot with local photographer Jay Mawson.

Next door is the beautifully decorated Ruby Soho Boutique, a collaboration of Daisy Cutter’s clothing and quirky, pretty jewellery from Medusa Bijoux. The final space is shared between Re:Chord and a unit from Factory 4. Re:Chord is a stall selling CDs, records, cassettes, DVDs and VHS tapes, with the unique selling point of offering a vinyl conversion service, an affordable way to convert vinyl to CD or mp3. Factory 4, an initiative to find spaces for creative people, have set up a pop up shop featuring an array of different talent such as t-shirts by Some Northern Soul and a burlesque-inspired printed chair by Emily Farncombe.

Although already open for business, Birds Yard is currently planning an official launch when the students return to the city in October. Michelle and team have big ideas for this launch so watch this space for special offers and an exciting themed party.

Posted on Tuesday 31st August 2010
Jayne Read

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