Still Breathing

Brothers Anthony and Christopher Donnelly were raised in, and grew up surrounded by, what was allegedly one the UK's most legendary and elusive crime families - Manchester's Quality Street Gang. How they found riches and fame as celebrated fashion kings is one of the most astonishing stories in the history of the rag trade. " " In their early twenties, as Acid House and street clothing pioneers, they were called both 'ambassadors for a generation' by Vivienne Westwood and 'a menace to society' by Parliament. Their fashion label, Gio-Goi, became a worldwide hit at the height of the 'Madchester' phenomenon, sported by the Happy Mondays, New Order, The Stone Roses and many more. " " Then, in 1994, Anthony and Chris were arrested as part of a huge police investigation into the Quality Street Gang, and the Donnelly Brothers lost everything amid lurid 'drugs and guns' headlines. After years in the wilderness, they made a remarkable comeback in 2005 with Pete Doherty (then dating Kate Moss) designing a high-profile collection for the re-launched Gio-Goi. Further attention-grabbing headlines featuring Robbie Williams, Arctic Monkeys, Liam Gallagher, Kasabian, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, Plan B, Calvin Harris and Deadmau5 emphasised the label's runaway success. " " The Donnelly Brothers were more notorious than ever as Gio-Goi hit the top of The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 in 2009 with a £19 million turnover (and would peak at £40 million annual turnover). They bought a pub, promoted club nights in Ibiza with Cream, made award winning pop videos and launched new fashion label, Your Own [YO]. Gio-Goi was hit by further scandal in 2013 and a spectacular crash saw investors, including The Donnelly Brothers, lose millions. The saga of the brand continues. " " Anthony and Christopher's journey from creeping and rifling safes, ticket touting and bootlegging pop merchandise to the front page of Vogue is told here for the first time - in their own words. " "