In the midst of recession and spending cuts, one high-end fashion retailer is coming out fighting. Ruth Campbell takes a look at Van Mildert’s new Harrogate store and talks to its manager.

VAN Mildert, owned by Middlesbrough-based brothers Eric and Cyril Williams, is launching its sixth store, in Harrogate. The brothers have invested £400,000 in their latest venture in a prime location in the centre of the North Yorkshire spa town, employing five staff.

The boutique, in Princes Street, offers a huge range of collections from top designers and labels such as Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Stone Island, as well as young fashion from Lyle and Scott, Pretty Green and One True Saxon.

Eric Williams says: “Until now, fashionconscious customers in Harrogate had to travel to Leeds and beyond to satisfy their shopping needs, or buy from Van Mildert online. Now they have 70 of the strongest and most relevant fashion collections in the world on their doorstep.”

Cyril adds: “In spite of the recession people still want top-quality brands and top-quality customer service. We are passionate about what we do, and it shows. “ Van Mildert, which began in 1996 with a store on Elvet Bridge, in Durham City, also has boutiques in Darlington, York and Gateshead’s MetroCentre.

■ Van Mildert Harrogate is at 17 Princes Street. Tel: 01423-529407. It is open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm.

vanmildert.com

OLIVER Moore, 30, manager of the Van Mildert store in Harrogate, studied design at the University of Northumbria.

At 6ft 7in, he tells how finding jeans with a 37in inside leg has been a blessing and reveals how he lied to his mother about blowing £500 on a Prada jacket when he was 16.

What is your earliest childhood memory of an item of clothing?

Although embarrassing to admit now, the first item of clothing that held the most memories, albeit not necessarily the fondest, has to be of a Global Hypercolour T-shirt.

Those over 30 will remember – to those who don’t, its colour changed depending on how warm you were, or how sweaty you were.

Whose style do you most admire and why?

I love the simplicity of the likes of James Dean, whose simple denim jeans with T-shirt and pumps look is timeless. Edwin this season combines all these ingredients.

Describe your style.

Casual in essence, yet combining a small signature piece to add a twist on the norm.

Liam Gallagher’s Pretty Green brand represents this perfectly.

What do you like to wear on a big night out?

I usually layer my look to a well-cut pair of jeans, such as Nudie, combined with a pair of boots, either a smart detailed and welltailored shirt, such as Vivienne Westwood, and a smart knit to cap it all off.

What do you love to wear when you’re dressing down?

Usually a pair of Y3 joggers and a hoody. You can’t look good all the time.

If you could change one bit of your body what would it be?

My nose, as it has been changed a few times through numerous rugby games.

What is the most you have ever spent on one item?

It was a Prada jacket when I was in Venice on holiday aged 16. I spent all my holiday money on it. It was £500. Of course, I told my mum it was half that.

What has been your worst fashion disaster?

A pair of tartan trousers, which I wore when going out in my youth. I just don’t think anyone was ready for that look then – or now.

What is your one piece of fashion advice?

Feel comfortable in what you wear. If you feel good, then it comes across in your personality.

Name your top five staple fashion items.

Decent denim is a must and the one thing worth spending money on. Chunky knitwear – Aquascutum’s winter range ticks all the boxes. Well-fitted shirts are good, either dressed up or casual. Converse All Star pumps. And a good watch. It separates the men from the boys. Toy Watch is still a must-have timepiece.

What is your guilty fashion secret? And what is your most outrageous item of clothing?

I buy vests from Marks & Spencer. My most outrageous item of clothing was a Raf Simons hooded sweat top jumper hoody thingy.

What is your greatest fashion indulgence?

Shoes. I recently discovered two pairs that I had forgotten about and haven’t even worn yet. Van Mildert have introduced J “shoe boots” for autumn/winter. My staff discount will be put to good use this season.

What item of clothing would you save if you were given the chance to grab just one thing from a fire?

My three pairs of Paul Smith boots.

What do you think will be the next big thing in fashion?

We haven’t seen the last of the military influence yet. Also, the lightweight jacket introduced this season is already becoming popular, such as Lyle and Scotts shell jacket.

What has been your greatest discovery on the High Street/online?

Jeans with a 37in inside leg. Being 6ft 7in this has been a blessing.

Who, in fashion, do you think is over-rated?

I believe High Street fashion needs to be reviewed. Although such brands are affordable, the craftsmanship is lost. One thing I’ve learnt is that quality lasts.