The History of the Hidden Gem ‘Oi Polloi’

"British. Working Class. Football. Music. Culture"

Oi Polloi gained notoriety by gathering men together through a quirky independent store in Manchester’s’ Northern Quarter. Starting with founders Steve Sanderson and Nigel Lawson, with an idea of selling clothing that they were interested in, attracting like-minded lads that would become loyal customers in years to come. The savvy duo created the unique store with vintage in mind, in the early days of the brand they were consumed by eBay to find the best vintage sportswear.

Always being interested in clothing, Nigel started a career managing bands, Flying Agaric and even the notorious Gallagher brothers. He then quit 'the band thing' as he calls it, settling back into clothing in 2002 when Oi Polloi was born. The small team began shipping around the world online, from Japan to America and Scandinavia.

Steve Sanderson has maintained a ‘working class’ approach as the brands ethos since the get-go. They have always been focused on having a grounded attitude throughout the company, making the unique brand one of a kind in its nature.

Much like the consistent style of the causal movement in the 1970s and Mod culture, Oi Polloi dedicates it pioneering clothing style to men who like to dress well and it’s all in the details. Understated in its mystery, the unpredictable boutique is tiny with a big impact. Offering a smart but casual surrounding that could have you pottering around for hours and leaving with that unique pair of three stripes, you never knew you wanted.

Curating numerous collaborations with like-minded brands over the years has earned Oi Polloi a respectable, established name for itself. The stores dedication to authenticity and culture plays a big part in the collaborations, only foreseeing ventures that fit perfectly with the store’s aesthetic. The duos consistent love affair with Scandinavian style prompted a collaboration with Norse Projects. Based in Copenhagen, creative director Tobia Sloth blends influences of streetwear and classic workwear, with high-end fashion. The collaboration goes hand in hand with each other, combining their shared harmony of simple and effective, but also well-made and timeless styling.

“A laid back, friendly environment for men that like the dress up.”

After a successful start-up in the early ’00s, they opened the doors to the first London store 13 years later. When asked in an interview for the Oi Polloi blog ‘Why open a shop in London?’ Nigel simply replied, ‘Because we have nothing else to do’, explaining perfectly the down to earth, although quiet confident attitude that is Oi Polloi.

*I do not own the right to images used*