A group of trendy traders are promising to make Bradford the place to be seen while shopping.

They are promising to make Bradford's North Parade the first stop for top label names such as Prada, Gucci, Dolce e Gabbana and Stone Island and stop the exodus of shoppers searching for that exclusive style going to Leeds.

And Sarah Clegg, 25, manager of hairdressers Blue's Hair Workshop and the new continental Le Caf Bleu in North Parade, said that the group of young independent traders intend to make the street the fashion focal point of the city.

She is proud of the renaissance of the street.

She said: "I hear so many people putting Bradford down and it's a shame. We have got a lot of young independent and successful business owners up here and we're sick of people knocking Bradford.

"North Parade is a very up and coming area and I really do think it could become the place to go shopping for your designer labels. I think we can attract a lot of the clientele that would normally go to Leeds."

Chris Williams, 34, is one of the new group of shop owners who have recently relocated to North Parade.

His fashion shop Bizkits was opened yesterday by Bradford City manager Paul Jewell. Among the sought after labels Bizkits hopes will turn Bradford into a fashion Mecca are Fenali, Prada, Gianfranco Ferri and Iceberg.

He said: "I always found that although I was in the fashion business if I wanted something for myself I had to go to Leeds or Manchester to get the label I wanted.

"I wanted to bring something to Bradford that would stop people travelling to get the clothes they want.

"When you talk to the other shop owners there's a real buzz about what's happening here. Everybody's very supportive and helping each other.

"With all the other shops opening here I think it's going to be the sort of place where people will come for quality clothes.

"I think this is putting Bradford back on the fashion map."

Anne Worden, owner of leather fashion shop Recycled Leathers, also believes that North Parade is on the up.

Anne, who makes her own leather clothing and accessories, said: "I think the future looks really good on this street.

"There is a good mix of young fashionable shops and hopefully if people support us and shops like these are encouraged Bradford will become a serious rival to Leeds."

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