Watch as we take you inside the new Transalpino store at Metquarter

Transalpino has opened a new store inside Metquarter, Liverpool. We meet founder Brendan to find out about the beloved menswear brand.

AS a 12-year-old football fan, Brendan Wyatt used to stand on the Kop looking around at what all the older kids were wearing.

Fast forward more than 40 years, and the designer and fashion-focused businessman is dictating their look.

“Never did I think kids would be wearing a brand that I had created,” he says. “I’d like to say it was a dream come true, but I wouldn’t have even dreamt it. I wouldn’t have dared to.”

Brendan first established Liverpool menswear store, Transalpino, in 2006, bringing terrace culture to the city. 

Having developed a love for the trends he found while travelling the world with his team, he then decided to create and establish his own brand.

Relaxed and casual daytime menswear with well-loved t-shirts, hoodies and trainers was key. While the store closed briefly due to the general downturn in 2010, it re-opened in 2015 with an expanded range influenced by house music and cult films – two passions of Brendan and his new partner and former buying director at Tesutti, Jay Montessori.

Another move into active and outdoor wear has seen its success soar even higher. And it’s outgrown its Bold Street base – prompting an exciting move to Metquarter last month.

“I’m a strong believer that if you stand still, you move backwards,” says Brendan. “Even though the high streets are going through a tough period, we are thriving, I think because we are unique. We are our own brand, and we source footwear from all over the world – we’re one of the last independents.

“Moving into Metquarter we’re making a statement and stepping up on our journey, to be mixing with the big boys.

“There are other top names in Metquarter, like Tribal Society and Marai – other local independent brands – and while we are all aiming at the menswear market we feel we can all bounce off each other.

“Metquarter is one of the most exclusive destinations for quality clothing in the North West, a true fashion hub, and we can definitely bring something more to it.”

Transalpino has already got thousands of fans who love the brand for its unique designs, with the age range they appeal to spanning the generations: “We have 65-year-old fellas coming in with their 15-year-old grandsons and they both buy something; and the grandads are educating the young kids about nostalgia. 

“We appeal to a broad spectrum and we sell around the world.”

As their numbers of its followers grows, Transalpino plans to increase its ranges too, with footwear first on the list.

“We’ve just signed a deal with a Milan brand called Colmar, and our aim is to deliver on – as we already do – footwear from all around the world with brands you can’t get on these shores.

“We are looking at footwear from Japan and Italy… Scouse fans are fashionably astute.”

Brendan adds: “Metquarter isn’t the end of the line for us. We believe in ourselves and we’re here to create a local legacy.”

Visit the Transalpino website here.