EVENT | ROGUE OPEN STUDIOS 2014

It's great to get to go behind the scenes and see where creatives work. Open studio events are a special opportunity to see creative processes and practices in action and meet the talented people who dedicate their time and energy to their amazing work. This weekend (19th-21st September) a very special studio is opening it's doors. Housed in Manchester, Rogue Studios is home to a gaggle of over 90 of the north's most creative individuals working across a range of disciplines.

My lovely pal, ridiculously talented maker of the most covetable jewels, Jade Mellor, will be there so go say hi. I challenge you not to desire all her precious gems. 



You can tour across three floors of Crusader Mill, a creative hotspot teaming with ideas and inspiration. Tonight is the launch party so go along and chat to the diverse range of artists, enjoy a tipple and make the most of this opportunity to have an insight into this incredible space. Also, there will be a chance to catch some special exhibitions, collaborations and purchase or commission the unique work crafted in the studio spaces. Go, go, GO. 

Opening Party: Friday 19th September (6-9pm)
Open Weekend: Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st (12-5pm)
By appointment: Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th (12-5pm)

More info here. 

EVENT | HOME IS IN THE NORTH

Ah the North; the motherland, where people can be mardy, boss or kippered but usually with a smile and a joke on hand. Where you can be waiting around like piffy one minute then bounce off down the ginnel to grab a chip barm another. The North has a wealth of creativity and I will leave it at that statement rather than start bangimg on with the music/art/fashion that has come from the upper parts of the UK. In keeping with a long tradition of fostering new creative talent Manchester now welcomes a new event aptly called Home Is In The North, exhibiting the best in new craft and design talent in the North of England.

Launching at Halle St. Peters in Ancoats, Manchester on April (26^th) will feature a some of the North’s most inspiring designers…

In attendance will be my lovely friend, textiles and homewares designer Natalie Laura Ellen draws inspiration for her designs from the things surrounding her Castlefield studio, from her balcony garden to the humble bumble bee, symbol of Manchester.

Also at the event will be Surface pattern designer Annabel Perrin, who uses the contemporary architecture of Salford Quays to create the geometric patterns used in her cushions, footstools and fabrics and continuing the ‘Industrial’ trend is bespoke lighting designer Richard Linford of Greymoose Designs with his upcycled lighting collection that experiments with camera tripods, sturdy steel basins modernised with colourful braided lighting cords. Leeds-based textile designer, Anthony Hughes also incorporates Northern 

industrial landscapes such as pylons, gasholders and railway tracks into his homewares.

They've already set-up some incredible interior pop-ups across Manchester (see images) and they're also hosting a giveaway to win some of Annabel Perrin’s gorgeous cushions. The event’s only £3 which is not much more than the cost of a brew these days (even up North) and there’s a wealth of seminars, showcases, exhibition to get stuck into. So there you have it, peel yourself off that sofa and put those leftover Easter eggs down a minute and check out an abundance of design inspiration. 

 To see a full list of exhibitors and more information visit www.eventsbythesocialbutterfly.com

·         Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeIsEvent

·         Twitter: @HomeIsEvent

MANCHESTER | A DECENT NIGHT OUT

Been missing in action for far too long. Ridiculously busy with new exciting projects, events etc... Anyhow, warning:it's going to get a little London centric round these parts soon with London Men's Collections, parties, events, launches galore so in the meantime I would like to concentrate attentions on another city that's close to my heart and share some of my favourite MANCUNIAN eating/mostly drinking/dancing spots.

The Soup Kitchen
If you like your food hearty and British and your drinks in the form of a real ale or cider then this is the gaff for you. A relaxed bar which has some interesting parties and performances.
(Psst - check out XXL (XIU + LARESEN) on the 24th.)

The Temple of Convenience
An ex-public lav turned bar with more character than you can shake a loo brush at. It doesn't get more quirky than this. If you like continental beer and live bands then hurry down those stairs pronto.

Pi
This Chorlton institution specialises in, yes you guessed it, the good ol' northern staple of Pies. Bloody good pies they are too. But it also has a vast selection of beer (I like beer) to sample. When in the north...

Tiger Lounge (do not confuse with Tiger Tiger - totally different ball game)
Retro, kitsch, fun and one of the best places to have a dance. The decor's Bette Lynch meets Austin Powers on acid. The drinks are lethal. What more could you possibly need?

The Deaf Institute (Trof)
One of 3 (last time I counted but feel free to correct me). The original Trof is in studentville (yup I lived there) aka Fallowfield. There's another one in the Northern Quarter, but what makes this one particularly special is the music hall that hosts a never ending selection of decent bands. It now hosts Up the Racket which used to be at Retro Bar (see below). For more info on this night ask anyone who studied/lived in Manc 08-10.
(Been informed there's a 4th Trof- will investigate and report back)

Retro Bar 
A grimy basement in an old man's pub under a multi storey car park =  some of the best nights ever. Honestly! Not sure if Becks is still £1 a bottle though?..

Common Bar
I have eaten so much Hummus and Pitta here I should have a loyalty card   really. Great parties, great DJ's and an ever changing atmosphere because the bar is also an exhibition space for local artists. I love this place. (Psst - Stop Making Sense on a Thursday...*just nodding*.)

Night and Day
Check out new bands here.It does exactly what it says on the (Boddies) tin.

Islington Mill

50 artists studios, 2 galleries, a recording studio and a club space (reminds me a little of Strongrooms, Shoreditch). Some great gigs and events, all in an old Mill-doesn't get more Mancunian than that surely.

The Dulcimer
The old local and a great place to relax and listen to some good music. Like sitting on a ship, sailing down a real ale river to fun night island.

Socio Rehab
The best Mai Thai I've ever tasted (done my research) and really friendly staff.

Star and Garter
The only place to go dancing after a cocktail too many (see above). Check out the Morrisey Disco... do it!

I could go on, but these were, from what I can remember, my main haunts. I'm no Mark E Smith lurking at the end of a bar, but I've drank in quite a lot in this cities establishments. However I no longer reside in Manc so do feel free to correct me, let me know of any knew venues, if any have gone down hill since I left (about 18 months ago) or of your own personal favourites. After all, it's good to share.

Do take note: after reading this there is no excuse to land up in Tiger Tiger. 

FASHION | TEAPOT VINTAGE

As a vintage shopping addict and sometimes seller to boot I thought I should start sharing some of my fave vintage shops. I am not going to give all of my secrets away at once (I'm actually not that daft) but will reveal the cream of the crop of vintage hot spots one at a time. 


The first is based in my spiritual home city of Manchester but what the clever peeps at tea pot vintage have done is set up  a full all singing and dancing shop on the web so you can shop to your hearts content wherever you may be. With on trend pieces at very reasonable prices there are always treats and treasure to be found in this shop. Here are some of picks on sale now!..