schuh x HEADS: Inside our Manchester Community Window Project

schuh stores aren’t just places to shop – they’re also spaces for discovery, inspiration, and belonging, and our latest project is all about celebrating that. We’re buzzing to be teaming up with Manchester-based HEADS Creative to launch our first-ever community-led window concept in our Manchester Market Street store, spotlighting some of the city’s next-gen creative talent!

Launching 23rd March, the 3-month project will see takeovers of our Market Street store’s window fixture by young Manchester-based creatives. Rotating every 4 weeks, these local artists will take turns in transforming the storefront into a celebration of culture, community, and grassroots creativity – and we couldn’t be more excited.

schuh x HEADS Creative

HEADS Creative is at the heart of Manchester’s creative scene, providing a space for creatives to showcase their work and connect with like-minded people across the city. Founded in 2022, the brand supports emerging creatives through events, opportunities, and connections with industry networks – making it an obvious choice for our latest project. As HEADS Co-Founder Liam Heeley says: “Manchester is a city full of creatives, so seeing local talent represented in a high street window feels like a big step forward for the creative community here […] HEADS and schuh share a really similar mission, so we’re excited to bring this project to life together.”

Why Manchester? Damon Kirk, our Head of Visual Merchandising, explains: “This project came from wanting to give people who might not always get the spotlight a stage on one of the UK’s busiest high streets, and Manchester felt like the obvious place to start. It’s such a key city for schuh – the energy, the youth culture, the creativity – it really reflects our audience. And being from Manchester myself, launching our first community window here makes it feel even more special.”

We’ve worked with HEADS to curate our roster of Manchester-based talent for our first-ever community-led window concept. Each installation will spotlight a different local creative, offering an exciting behind-the-scenes look at their practice and process.

Meet our First Creative: Lili

The first of our inspiring creatives to take over our Market Street window is Lili Donovan. A streetwear stylist known for styling from her own curated wardrobe, Lili is inspired by her city, creative community, and identity, with her work focusing on turning personality into presence. Liam from HEADS sat down with Lili to chat through fashion, sources of inspiration, and everything in between.

Hey Lili! Please introduce yourself and what you do.

Hiya! I’m a streetwear stylist, artist, and creative. Born and raised in Manchester, I have a passion for bold colours and experimentation, and a special ability to recreate and excel people’s personal style. Having curated my wardrobe from a young age, travelling to collect unique pieces, I truly believe my wardrobe has a piece for everyone!

What led you down the path of fashion? Where did it begin?

As a child, my mum dressed me so well – I always assumed I got my love and interest in fashion from her, but I think we all knew I had a style of my own when I dressed myself at age 6 and came through with wellies, a tutu, striped tights, a pink wig, and my monster hoodie… I loved tracksuits, stripes, baggy clothes, checkered shirts, while my mum preferred dresses, skirts, and flowers. We’ve definitely found our common ground now. I think the mix of her poise and elegance with my crazy patterns and silhouettes is how we have the Lili I am now!

What’s 3 staple items that everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Straight away: a denim two piece! Denim could never and will never age. Secondly, a pair of patterned boxers or bloomers – they make for great layering and always add more to a basic outfit. Plus, boxers over actual underwear any day. Lastly, at least 2 baggy graphic t-shirts. Comfort plays a huge role in my wardrobe, and a big graphic tee will make any glum day easier.

Who are your fashion icons?

Pharell Williams would be at the top of my list. His effortlessly colourful, unique looks always pull me in. He never fails to pull together a great outfit – and the same goes for his directing work. My other would be Erykah Badu. She’s very well known for her never ending jewellery collection: I once watched an interview where she talked about all her jewellery she was wearing (a lot) and she could name every single creator and explain their story. The respect she has for small businesses and curators put her straight up there for me.

What has fashion taught you personally?

Fashion taught me from a young age that I am a character who can be customised and dressed however she feels. Baggy clothes helped me with the love I didn’t have for myself and made me feel sexy; boots gave me that stomping confidence to go out alone without fear; dungarees allowed me to get things done but feel beautiful whilst doing so. You’re in control of your character and the clothes that go on it have endless powers. You choose the fashion that makes you, you.

What item of clothing have you held onto for too long? What’s the story behind it?

Definitely my bright blue Nikes from when I was 15 – these shoes have been to every party, rave, and event with me. I already find it difficult to get rid of my things because they all have a special story, and they’ve been with me as I’ve grown from a teen to an adult. At 19, they finally called it a day and fell apart – but they’re still in my shoe drawer waiting to eventually be revived into something new.

A piece of advice for a young creative who’s looking to get into the fashion world?

Find your place! Find your community. The fashion world is huge and it’s about figuring out where you want to be in it. I’ve never been the most glamorous so I found that side of the fashion world very scary and intimidating. But I fell in love with the freelance side: I love new interactions, creating memorable experiences, and a banging outfit. Find your place and you’ll flourish. Oh, and don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too big – it’s usually that their ideas are too small.

Next Up: Meet Brandina & Roukaya

On 20th April, the window will be handed over to our next creative, Brandina Chisambo. As a multidisciplinary artist whose work blends craft with storytelling and community, Brandina works across crochet, jewellery, and workshops to create pieces and spaces that celebrate culture, connection, and self-expression.

Our final talent for this first-ever window series will be Roukaya B, taking over the window from 18th May. Roukaya is a North West-based artist and songwriter blending alternative jazz, afro-beats, rap, and soulful textures. She creates music at the intersection of culture and creative empowerment, and is an active champion of other emerging artists taking ownership of their craft.

Excited? We know we are! Keep an eye out for our upcoming Q&As with Brandina and Roukaya, and drop in to schuh Manchester Market Street between 23rd March and 14th June to see the installations in person. Don’t forget to follow @schuh and @heads_uk to make sure you don’t miss a thing.