Unique creative space ‘Underfound’ making waves in Altrincham

Underfound opened on the 3rd September of this year as a creative space that incorporates a barbers, live music space, unique clothes shop and also has a gallery space for budding artists to exhibit in and sell their creations.

Located on the prestigious Oxford Road in Altrincham, Underfound is surrounded by some of Altrincham’s best independent businesses such as California Coffee and Wine, Brows by Sarah and Off The Wheaten Track. 

We spoke to the owner and founder, Rhiannah Balcombe about Underfound and how they were offering something completely unique in the U.K.

She said:

“At Underfound we focus primarily on independent ethically sourced or low production volume brands such as the French brand Viron which work exclusively with Vegan sustainable materials and specialise in Apple Skin military style boots.

“We set out to be the antidote to fast fashion with a focus on the socially responsible, limited runs, one offs and bespoke items whilst offering a slick online experience alongside an unrivaled in store experience. We stock some great local brands. For example Sarvin, a luxury evening wear dressmaker which has garments made by hand in Manchester and Incarnate, a leather and denim outerwear brand that offers bespoke and made to measure services exclusively within Underfound.“

Rhiannah, originally hailing from Essex, has a background in TV and Film and has appeared in some amazing productions such as; Men in Black: International, Fantastic Beasts and The Crimes of Grindelwald, Pokemon Pikachu Detective and the TV Series DEVS. In 2021 she wrote, directed and starred in an Amazon Prime Video exclusive TV Series known as Heavy Pencil.

She continued: “Along the way I’ve met bands, musicians, and as such Underfound was formed as a way to champion independent art, clothing brands, and musicians who can all come together in one space and showcase their craft.We are a boutique fashion store that also incorporates our love of music as we have a stage for smaller more intimate performances or exclusive releases for up and coming musicians. We are always on the lookout for ‘The Next Big Thing.’ “

Underfound provide a luxury barbering experience from an award winning team, who have combined 31 years of experience in the trade. They offer everything from full hair restyles, skin fades and longer styles to facials, head massages and hair washes.

Rhiannah continued:

“We’re not just a barbers. More of a luxury fashion retailer that has a barbers in it to provide a cohesive experience. We also support local artists here selling artworks and allow for a space for people to exhibit such as short term rentals via Appear Here.”

Once a month Underfound also host Live music events, but are looking to increase that number as they get busier. They are hosting a live event on the 10th of December, which will include a winter showcase of what they have to offer, a Q&A with a designer, Live performance and a DJ playing late into the night.

You can get your tickets by clicking here.

Rihannah said that she absolutely adores life up North, and is looking forward to welcoming customers from all over Greater Manchester.

She said: “The reception so far has been amazing. We trialled a lot of brand new product and as such have a lot of UK firsts, such as Ajobyajo, a contemporary Korean brand inspired by their interpretation of the 90s LA skate scene.

“Out of the twenty pieces we’ve shipped over, we’ve only got two left. It’s flying off the shelves! It’s safe to say we will be stocking their next season into 2023”

I asked Rihannah to pitch the shop to those who don’t know what they are all about, she said:

“We’ve got brands you can’t get anywhere else, a fantastic team of barbers and a platform to experience new music and art. We believe it’s a unique concept in England. You can get a haircut from an award winning team whilst listening to Live music from artists you haven’t yet heard and immediately after be transported to a world of undiscovered fashion and art.” 

Why don’t you head down and have a look at what we’ve got to offer, what have you got to lose?

You can find out more on their website by clicking here.