LA VIDA THE VERY BEST OF
fashion, lifestyle & nightlife
october 2012 issue 01
Exclusive Celebrity Interviews
The Beginning
Wendy Dress ÂŁ15
Leanne Dress ÂŁ20 facebook.com/BoohooOfficial
lovefashionweek.com
CONTENTS
October 2012
La Vida Magazine Muskers Building, 1 Stanley Street, Liverpool L1 6AA info@itslavida.com www.itslavidacom Publisher Abanoob Anton Creative Director Anthony Logan Marketing Director Andreas Anastasiou Managing Editor Athina Macpherson Features Editor Jsky
Welcome to La Vida 07
Editors Letter
58
La Vida Beauty
60
Celebrity Interview
Hints and tips from top make up artists
Athina Macpherson introduces the debut issue
66
Editor’s Choice Cuisine
09
Celebrity Fashion Makeover
70
Healthy Treats
11
Fashion shoot with Chelsee Healey
La Vida Fashion Shoot ‘Push It Real Good'
18
AW12 Introducing ‘Mary Portas’ Accessories 20 Spinningfields Celebrate the New Season 22 La Vida Fashion Forcast AW12 The‘It’ Bags; AW12 Boots;
All Stud Everything; Warm Winter Florals; Boho Chic; Purple Rain
31
The New Man
38
Mr Kamani
89
92
94
Healthy Eating
A New Dawn; Top 5 Foods to Melt Fat; Raw Foods
54
The Real Deal
Interview with boxing legend, Evander Holyfield.
56
Style for the Pitch
Interview with Footballers favourite hairdresser, Daniel J.
Fashion Contributers Natalya Kanj Tom Pringle
Our top pick of nightlife, bars and clubs
Music Latest news and reviews
Lifestyle Writer Stuart Pilkington Gina
Rising Stars Hand picked up-and-coming stars
Album Review Aiden Grimshaw
Business The Northern Quarter & The Soho effect
Music Writers Jini Cowan Steve-O Junior Designer Hyrum Cook Photography Hannah Furness La Vida TV Chris Curtiss Circulation Manager Michael Harding
Interview with Umar Kamani
44
87
Manchester Scene
Fashion pick from the La Vida team
42
Fashion Writer Farah Musa
Frurt Frozen Yoghurt
Living La Vida #CelebrateManchesterFashion One Big Free Fashion Event
73
Account Executive/Contributor Khes Nazim
Sapporo; San Carlo
Suit Up; Pack Light
40
Public Relations Manager Melissa Hassan
Catherine Tyldesley
Art Director Lanie Wilson
Designed by Branded Digital Creative Agency
Cover Image:
Models: Vera &Tom Green Photography: Hannah Furness Makeup: Dominique Desveaux using Dermologica Hair: Michelle Selby
La Vida Magazine Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. Whilst every effort is taken, prices and product details are subject to change at any time; La Vida Magazine Ltd. take no responsibility for omission’s or errors. We respectfully reserve the right to publish and edit any articles at any time.
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Letter from the Editor Welcome to our first issue of La Vida Magazine, The Beginning. A magazine created purely for those of you who enjoy ‘the finer things in life’. As a Manchester based magazine we believe that our wonderful city holds great potential. With the city on the rise, our magazine represents this revolution and we in turn intend to grow with the city.
Despite the terrible summer weather, it has been an exciting few months for us. We’ve had our up’s and down’s, our late nights, our mid-day naps, our ‘sit, eat and relax’ sessions, but we’ve done it!
The Beginning issue, a name aptly describing where we are, is the beginning of what we see to be a long and exciting journey as a team but also with you, our readers, in tow. Just the first of many more issues to come, La Vida Magazine is an alternative fashion, lifestyle and nightlife publication for everyone and anyone to enjoy; an essential monthly guide for living well in Manchester.
The time we’ve all passed together creating this beautiful magazine will forever stay with us. It’s our first issue and something we’ve all worked extremely hard for so we hope you enjoy it and agree it is an impressive showcase of fashion, writing and photography.
In this debut issue, we bring you some of the latest fashion trends for both men and women, along with many of our own original concepts and ideas. We also detail interviews with entrepreneurs and celebrities within the fashion industry as well as a brief 4-day walk in one of the team’s wardrobes.
It’s been a great experience for all of us as a team, working together, helping one another and motivating each other every step of the way.
Until next month, thank you and we hope you enjoy indulging in the magazine as much as we have had creating it. This is just The Beginning.
We take you on a tour of Manchester’s finest restaurants, bars and night venues, directing you from morning to evening. With detailed articles, as well as a variety of health tips and beauty secrets, La Vida Magazine also introduces you to some of Manchester’s ‘Rising Stars’ with interviews and reviews of figures in the music scene. With a final business section, the content is unlimited and something that we believe will appeal to you all.
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Interview
With
Celebrity Fashion Makeover
Chelsee Healey Written by Jsky
Manchester born actress Chelsee Healey is best known for her 6 years starring on the popular BBC series, Waterloo Road, as Janeece Bryant. Recently, Chelsee took part in the 9th series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing as a graceful runner up. Unfortunately, Chelsee isn’t known for just these aspects, or for her acting career for that matter. Chelsee has been scrutinized for her fashion sense, or fashion ‘blunders’ as some gossip magazines state. Taking this into account, we wanted to show that Chelsee is not ‘unfashionable’ as some columns have stated, but instead a female that merely follows her own desires and dresses purely for herself. La Vida Magazine therefore met up with Chelsee for a glamorous photoshoot and at the perfect location; the even more stylish and luxurious Living Room Manchester. With so much scrutiny in the media, we felt that Chelsee was a perfect example for our shoot; an opportunity to showcase beautiful dresses and accessories on a beautiful person. In addition to this, we took the opportunity to ask our own questions, to find out who Chelsee really is and the details of her journey so far. No words taken out of context and no arbitrating, just a pure fashion shoot. With stunning dresses provided by Gorgeous Couture as well as intricate pieces of jewellery by Fatz K, we were ready to snap away. You spent 6 years of your life working on Waterloo Road. What was that like? I grew up starring in Waterloo Road, I’ve had some of the best times of my life filming the show and it’s a huge part of my life now, it’s made me who I am. I have also met some great people during my time there, it was a lot of fun for me, especially as I was so young when I started and you know what…if it wasn’t a lot of fun, I wouldn’t have stayed on for 6 years! I did enjoy it a lot though, and we all got on so well. Your episode of Celebrity Juice was hilarious. Keith Lemon is quite a character… Keith is really funny. He wanted me to take part in his new show, Lemon La Vida Loca, but I was rehearsing for the Queen’s Jubilee at the time with Strictly Come Dancing. I was gutted, and now that it’s aired, I wish I could have done it. Before the show [Celebrity Juice] he was in full character; he was being ‘Keith Lemon’. It’s really funny because his wife in real life is his make up artist on the show. After the show, when we had a little drink, he was himself; Lee Francis. I thought it was really funny how he was getting into character before the show and then after he was his complete self.
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Photography: Hannah Furness. Hair/Makeup: Nita Malata. Location: Living Room Manchester. Clothing: Gorgeous Couture. Shoes: Daisy Street. Jewellery: Fatz K. Art Direction: Lanie Wilson
So what is Lee Francis really like? He’s really quiet actually. He’s lovely, but he’s a lot quieter. He’s nothing like you would expect having seen him as ‘Keith Lemon’, but he is amazing. He’s a really nice guy. Strictly Come Dancing was a huge success for you. You really did Manchester proud. Thank you so much, that means a lot! Starring on Strictly Come Dancing was one of the best times of my life and an experience that I will never forget. The people that we met, especially my dancing partner Pasha [Kovalev], and learning how to dance was unforgettable…I do feel really cringeworthy saying this, but it was a really magical experience. I can’t even put into words how much of an experience it was. And now you have the Vagina Monologues coming up… Yeah, I start the Vagina Monologues really soon. Rehearsals start next week and then it airs on TV in October.
It’s going to be quite an experience because it’s infront of a live audience, but it’ll be brilliant. I can't wait, although, I have a lot to learn for it. What’s your dream, your aims for the future? My dream is to…well, I wouldn’t necessarily say ‘to go to Hollywood’, but I’d like to go to America. Apart from this, I want to star in more dramas, and maybe even the West End would be nice with a bit of dancing, now that I’ve learnt. I know you come under a lot of heat for your outfits but what do you think about what people are saying at the moment? To be honest, there has been a lot of speculation about me recently for my fashion, but I wear what I like. I don’t have a stylist and I don’t care what people think about me, I wear what I feel like wearing and what I want to wear. Obviously, it is hurtful what people say, but at the end of the day, if I change what I wore to please other people, I would be changing who I am and what I like, and that’s just not me.
PUSH IT REAL GOOD
Fashion Story Credits: Photographer: Hannah Furness Stylist: Stephanie Cooper Hair and Make up: Sarah Leaff Tanya Appleton Models: Lanie Wilson Lauren Davidson Assistance from Jsky. Special thanks to Morgan Leahy and Stephen Cliffe at ‘The Offices’ at Barton Arcade.
CLUTCH £30, BRACELET £6, NECKLACE £15
ACCESSORISE YOUR LIFE.
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Fashion
The Avenue,
Spinningfields Celebrates the New Season The Avenue is celebrating exclusive new arrivals for Autumn Winter, boasting the strongest collections from the most prestigious fashion retailers around the world. With exclusivity and luxury fashion encompassing The Avenue’s ethos, the Spinningfields retail quarter has an array of one-off, high end stores and salons, including Emporio Armani, Mulberry, Flannels, Oliver Sweeney, L.K Bennett, Ted Baker Pashion, DKNY Men, AllSaints, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Kurt Geiger, jeweller Phillip Stoner, boutique florist David Wayman and Nicky Clarke. The Avenue is proud to be able to showcase such a huge variety of this seasons’ new trends including little winter follies from Emporio Armani, wild and wonderful featured by Mulberry, the new Langley collection at Ted Baker Pashion, hard hitting Nouvelle Vauge in AllSaints, L.K Bennett‘s glamorous, bold, and luxurious look and a contemporary twist on Italian wines from Oliver Sweeney to name a few. (The Avenue look book follows below). The Mulberry store plans to take customers through a “wild and wonderful journey” into their soft accessories, luggage, and clothing collection and with waiting lists quickly filling up in their beautifully creative store. This season’s collection will be even harder to resist. Across The Avenue, step into Brooks Brothers, a contrasting world of American tradition, beautifully tailored shirts, casual leisurewear and high quality woollen winter staples. Appealing to the English heritage buyer, the newly opened womenswear collection has the perfect range for weekend and work wear. Exclusive to the UK outside the capital, the opulent and beautiful interior of Ted Baker Pashion showcases creative, delicate evening and outwear for men and women. With intricate accessories and a very ‘British take’ on menswear, customers are wowed from their first look into this unique store. With a new season also returns a new series of shopping and style events. The Avenue/Series 2 will return to Thursday night shopping with late night openings, exclusive appearances and very exciting collaborations. The Avenue has fast become the destination for fashion followers and shoppers alike and with the addition of an onsite personal stylist, dedicated fashion blog and editorial magazine; visitors are treated to a unique shopping experience exclusive to the city.
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Fashion 3.1 Phillip Lim, £830 Alexander Wang, £960
Marc By Marc Jacobs, £350
The
3.1 Phillip Lim, £645
‘It’ Bag
The ‘IT’ bag. The piece of arm candy that stands as the essence of any outfit. Practical and aesthetically pleasing, the ‘IT’ bag is any lady’s prime investment for the season. Choose from block cobalt blue to soft suedes and black leathers, and of course everybody’s favourite print; leopard.
Christian Louboutin, £1,250
Lanvin, £900
Mulberry, £925
Proenza Schouler, £1,365
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Yves Saint Laurent, £1,620. Topshop Unique, £400
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Fashion
ALL STUD
EVERYTHING
Add a little edge to your outfit this season with anything and everything studded. Whether you’re a casual girl or a rock ‘n’ roll diva, there is no denying that studs are in this season. Big or small, round or square, these studs are unbeatable. Be it on a cool leather jacket, a pair of skyscraper heels, a fabulous bag or a simple iPhone case; no matter the item, they ooze a sense of rockstar glamour, and who wouldn’t want to be a rockstar?
Christian Louboutin, £895
Start small with a studded bracelet or simple collar detail, and before you know it, you wont be able to get enough.
Elizabeth & James, £365
Written by Farah Musa
Juicy Couture, £64.95
Alexander Wang, £695
Miss Selfridge, £45 Jimmy Choo, £295
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Addidas by Stella McCartney Jagger Edge, £65.61
Miss Selfridge, £24
Warehouse, £55 Sam Edelman, £177
Topshop, £35
Topshop, £70
Warehouse, £26
Topshop, £32 Topshop, £28 MICHAEL Michael Kors
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Fashion
Miu Miu, £450
Topshop, £18 Mulberry, £135
Topshop, £25 New Look, £34.99 Aminaka Wilmont
Marni, £240
Dorothy Perkins, £15.99
Warm Winter Florals
DKNY, £220
With an array of textures, hues and embellishments, florals are no longer just a summer sensation. Gracing this season are dark, edgy and luxurious prints, taking from the summer’s romantic bouquets and into winter’s rich seductive palette. Prepare to be amazed by the new buds blooming this season with statement trousers to darkly dramatic blouses. These gorgeous blooms and large scale patterns are the perfect way to dress up the winter and fall in love all over again with floral.
Miss Selfridge, £20 Kenzo, £325
Tibi, £315
Charlotte Olympia, £845
Written by Farah Musa
Dorothy Perkins, £60 Totem Salvaged, £190
Miss Selfridges, £15
Haute Hippie, £405
Isabel Marant, £560
BOHOCHIC
Chan Luu, £35
Miss Selfridge, £65
Topshop, £36
Boho chic was typically seen as a summer trend, but today it has become a winter favourite. With constant festivals throughout the year, and the love for this laid-back bohemian trend, it appeals to those who prefer a bit of colour, a variation of patters, natural materials and generally a more laid back look. With winter quickly dawning, the boho trend has been taken, moulded and adjusted as a more season friendly look. This trend is not about wearing the latest maxi dresses, especially in the winter weather, but instead a huge array of bohemian influenced outfits and Aztec prints to choose from; the right shoes, bags and jewellery can really add the ‘chic’ to your ‘boho’.
Topshop, £8.50
Miss Selfridge, £8.50
Paul & Joe Sister, £135 Dorothy Perkins, £10
See by Chloé, £240 Current/Elliot, £160
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Fashion
PURPLE Rain This Fall, purple reigns. The AW12 runways were glowing with hues of violet, lilac and different shades of deep purple, adding a royal touch to the collections. Anywhere we turn, we see purple. The purple colour wheel is somewhat omnipresent. This luxurious block colour will vamp-up any winter wardrobe from make up down to accessories and shoes. It goes hand in hand with denim, white and black, but the princely gem-like tone can do all the talking on its own.
Comme Des Garcons, £205 Alexander Wang, £230
Miss Selfridge, £45
Marc By Marc Jacobs, £45
Proenza Schouler, £1440
Giuseppe Zanottie, £520
Written by Farah Musa
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Illesteva, £130
Topshop, £52
Miss Selfridge, £38
Ted Baker
Julien Macdonald, £120
River Island, £65
ASOS
Topshop, £48
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The New Man Following the extremely successful June 2012 London Collections, it can now clearly be seen that men’s fashion has finally been given the acknowledgement that it deserves. With a threeday showcase of British men’s fashion, in comparison to the previously allocated one day, the full potential of men’s fashion has finally been allowed to evolve with a new era dawning.
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Fashion
SuitUp Written by Tom Pringle
T
he year 2012 welcomed a new beginning for men. It was finally socially acceptable for men to express themselves through fashion, portraying their personalities and emotions, and rightly so. Irrespective of whether you are a follower of The Sartorialist or a subscriber to a fashion magazine, it cannot be denied that menswear has become stronger than ever. However, with a new era and revolution come new followers and choice. Men’s fashion has always been around, but with the heightened recognition and equality between men’s and women’s fashion, it is no surprise that the market for men’s fashion has grown, and rapidly. As a man, I understand that we prefer fewer choices, less complications and more straightforward decisions, but long gone are the eras of the 30’s and 40’s where dressing in a lounge suit was the norm, where a gent would not be seen in anything less than a shirt and tie. Men’s fashion has now developed and revolutionised into a vast spanning market with new styles, brands and stores to cater for all varying tastes. However, for those that wish to uphold a certain air of class and prestige, similarly to our forerunners, there is still one iconic look that has withstood the test of time and always will – tailoring. No matter your style and whatever the occasion, the suit is a staple item that every man’s wardrobe needs and requires that not only can be tailored to fit your body, but tailored to fit your personality. After all, it is a known fact that women love a man in a suit; the timeless image of success designed to make a man feel and look his best.
Cheap man-made fabrics, such as Polyester, are likely to crease and will not give you that ‘sharp finesse’ found elsewhere. So, if you’re after that well made and flattering suit, a chic over cheap kind of guy, try House of Frasier, opting for quality 100% wool or a wool blend such as mohair. If you are feeling a little more luxurious, try cashmere. For the few summer months that the British weather has allowed us, you could look for something lighter such as cotton or linen. Unless, of course, you are planning to jet off to Monaco or Florence anytime soon, stick with a lightweight wool as it can be just as breathable and will make the transition to next season too. The better the fabric, the longer the life and the better the fit. The canvas of a good suit should sit well and fit the contours of your body. Let the suit fit you rather than the other way round. When choosing a jacket it should hug but not pinch tight and compliment your body’s shape, rather than hang loose. A suit should make you feel confident and smart. The sleeves should fall just around your wrist, revealing around half an inch or so of cuff. Finally, when thinking about colour, consider a neutral colour pallet to start with; there’s no situation that cannot be solved by a rich navy suit or lighter shade of grey. These colours are simple, and thus easy to mix and match pairing suit jackets with a pair of jeans, corduroys or chinos for a casual look. Once you have the basics down you can start to play with more pattern and colour.
If you are buying your first suit or replacing that old one that stares at you from the back of your wardrobe, there are a few simple steps to follow when making this fundamental investment. Firstly, lay solid foundations with a good fabric choice. Think of a suit as a blank canvas; if the underlying canvas is of poor quality, the paints and products will not ‘sit properly’. In layman’s terms, the incorrect fabric could make or break your overall look.
Dove grey cotton suit, Hugo Boss, £499. Available at House of Fraser
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Button Rules. It’s hard to pull off the rounded suit jacket look without buttoning up, so here are the rules: Three-button suit: middle button or top two buttons done up. Two-button suit: top button only. One-button suit…obvious no? A great starting suit would be the Dove Grey cotton suit by Hugo Boss, a brand that delivers quality and a great fit every time. Coming at a respectable price it is an all round good starting suit; with a slim, tailored fit and peak lapel detail. Perfect to travel in as the fabric keeps its shape with minimal creases. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated addition to your wardrobe, look to the navy three-piece suit by New & Lingwood. With a highly spun 100% wool fabric, this English made suit offers a classic tailored look from the Iconic British menswear designer.
The days when only investment bankers and businessmen wore suits are merely vague memories. Nowadays, the suit has evolved into a recurrent but timeless key-piece, bringing the tailored jacket to the forefront of many wardrobes. Suits evoke personality and style into its wearer; everyone from David Gandy, Tinie Tempah and Harry Styles have adopted the sartorial twist and opted for the tailored look.
After playing with colour myself this season, it seems more apparent that the brighter you go, the better. Why not sport mustard chinos, paired with a black jacket, or even try coloured chinos along with a more neutral grey blazer. The trick is to experiment and find what goes for you as a person and as a style. A perfect example of this is the Navy Herringbone ‘Tight Lines’ wool blazer by Ted Baker. This blazer is part of ‘The Endurance’ line, based and created around Ted Baker’s favourite hobby, fishing. Here it is paired with a rather casual Jack & Jones Premium Blue cotton shirt and a pair of Mustard corduroy trousers by Paul Smith. The outfit is topped off with a khaki reversible tartan scarf by Polo Ralph Lauren. If you do fancy ‘mixing it up’ though, you don’t have to use colour purely in the trouser department. Why not mix and match jackets, another great way to play with colour. Black patterned jacket, Patrick Cox, £350 White penny collar shirt, Without Prejudice, £89 Grey wool trousers, Kenneth Cole, £120 Polo Ralph Lauren Socks, £10
London Fashion Week showcased the worlds very best designers doing exactly that. Oliver Spencer to E.Tautz all made a play on new tailoring cuts with colour, showing that suiting doesn’t have to be left in the greys and blacks of the workplace. With his Spring/Summer 2013 Collection inspired by painter Ben Nicholson and Russian Modernism consisting of clean cut tailoring with vibrant colour palettes of burnt oranges to blues.
Navy three-piece suit, New & Lingwood, £355. Available at House of Fraser Today, there are various ways a suit can be worn. It can be dressed down and paired up with other items from one’s wardrobe. This enables you to incorporate the Suit jacket (Blazer) into more casual looks, providing the perfect look for different settings. If you feel that your suit game is ‘down’, there is never a reason to stop experimenting or polishing your look. This season, look at colour in order to boost your suit appeal. Pair a suit jacket with coloured chinos or trousers to bring a little life into the look.
Fancy trying it yourself, why not mix-up a black patterned jacket by Patrick Cox with a white penny collar shirt from Without Prejudice and grey wool trousers by Kenneth Cole. To top off the look, add a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren Socks to peep through when you sit down and relax from the long day of being ‘suited up’.
Navy Herringbone ‘Tight Lines’ wool blazer,Ted Baker, £299 Avilable at House of Fraser. Premium Blue cotton shirt, Jack & Jones, £95 Mustard corduroy trousers, Paul Smith, £70 Khaki reversible tartan scarf, Polo Ralph Lauren, £65.
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PACK LIGHT
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If you’re planning on visiting our beloved city of Manchester, or if you’re a proud citizen and merely have travel plans, then packing light is an essential skill to enjoying your voyage. We have come up with a few indispensible items for your two-to-three days away wardrobe that we believe are crucial to pack during this autumn/winter season. This makes for an all-round stylish look in order to avoid any disappointments along your journey.
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1. Four Corners Silk Pocket Square by Austin Reeds, £25. www.austinreed.co.uk 2. “BadChin” Classic Chinos by Ted Baker, £79. www.tedbaker.com 3. Fairmun Line, Fairisle knit waistcoat by Ted Baker, £79. www.tedbaker.com 4. Brown herringbone and red tartan reversible scarf by Polo Ralph Lauren, £65. www.houseoffraser.co.uk 5. Trench Coat by J by Jasper Conran, £99. www.debenhams.com 6. Tan leather cricket Holdall Bag by Ralph Lauren, £699. www.houseoffraser.co.uk 7. White Shirt by Red Herring, £27.50. www.debenhams.com 8. Titila Spot and Stripe shirt by Ted Baker, £85. www.tedbaker.com. 9. Woosjak Northern skies wool blazer by Ted baker, £299. www.tedbaker.com 10. Lastman Multicolour plaited belt by Ted baker, £29. www.tedbaker.com 11. Navy duck print tie by New & Lingwood, £40. www.houseoffraser.co.uk 12. Navy and red trunks by Polo Ralph Lauren, £50. www.houseoffraser.co.uk 13. A pair of Christmas Socks by Dockers, £15. www.houseoffraser.co.uk 14. Shoes by J by Jasper Conran, £135. www.debenhams.com
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Fashion
Living LaVida
Living it Working within a fashion and lifestyle magazine, it is the perfect environment for the La Vida team to express their love for fashion. Since working at La Vida is not the average 9-5 job, neither is our attire... This week we spent some time in the shoes of Melissa, part of La Vida’s PR department. “Working at La Vida is great as I love to follow fashion, but I wouldn’t say I’m a fashion victim at all. I like to buy clothes that make me feel good. I would never buy something because it was ‘in fashion’ if I didn’t feel like myself in it.” For Melissa, working for La Vida has involved arranging, attending and covering events, from Celebrate Manchester Fashion to the magazine’s cover shoot. “I’d say I usually dress quite feminine but I do like to look smart and presentable for work. I generally keep my accessories quite simple and I love delicate pieces of jewellery.” wellery.”
Cover Shoot Fitting
“I knew the fitting would be a long day so I went for something quick and easy. I’ve loved the peplum look over spring and summer and this jumper adapts nicely to the colder months. I have balanced it out with a pair of dark blue skinny jeans and black leather Chelsea boots. I felt like the casual, worn look of the boots contradicted the clean, girly style of the jumper to avoid looking too polished. “ Jumper: Ted Baker, Jeans: River Island, Boots: Topshop.
Cover Shoot “Reading the AW12 trend reports, I loved how much the heritage and equestrian looks were featured on catwalks such as Hermes. I’ve always been a massive fan of my jodhpurs, I feel like they’re sometimes a more interesting alternative to jeans or leggings and, of course, I couldn’t do winter without a nice pair of riding boots. For the day of the magazine cover shoot, I thought I’d get the boots out early and team them with some navy blue jodhpurs and a loose fitting cotton shirt. I think the shirt contributes to the heritage theme of the outfit without looking too much like I’ve lost my tractor, and it's still appropriate for work. I’ve worn the sleeves rolled up to show my delicate jewellery.” Shirt: Primark, Jodhpurs: Zara, Boots: Primark.
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La Vida Winding Down Time Vogue’s ‘Fashion Night Out’ “For the ‘Fashion Night Out’, we all attended a Vivienne Westwood event in Manchester, so this was a chance to dress up a little. Leather and edgy ensembles have also been heavily featured on the Autumn/ Winter catwalks, so I went with these leather-look leggings and studded heels.
“At the end of the week it’s nice to just chill with the team and enjoy some nice drinks and food together. As we’d just finished working I’m wearing a blazer and jeans, one of my favourite combinations. I feel a blazer generally looks effortlessly stylish, and the right colours and shapes stop them from looking to ‘businessy’. I chose the delicate camisole and blazer for my Friday, as they look smart and classy enough to work in but paired with jeans, the outfit can be carried through to evening drinks with the La Vida team!” Necklace: Wearhouse, Blazer: Glamorous Top: Miss Selfridge, Jeans: River Island.
The luminous yellow heels and necklace break up the monochrome outfit and the sharp blazer adds sophistication to the leather and studs. I also love how much of a good match the necklace and the shoes are.” Necklace: H&M, Top: Topshop Leggins: H&M, Shoes: Sam Edelman.
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CELEBRATE MANCHESTER FASHION
in association with boohoo.com, PrettylittleThing.com & La Vida Written by Melissa Hassan Sunday 19th of August was a day for Anthony Logan, Umar Kamani and Jsky to push the boundaries of Manchester fashion. By celebrating creativity, self-expression and fashion they encouraged Manchester to dress however they fancied; eccentric and 'out-there' or original and understated as they re-wrote the rules of fashion for the afternoon. Feeling that too often in the fashion world it’s not always about “what” you know but “who” you know, the stylish team created Celebrate Manchester Fashion the perfect occasion to see who you can “get to know”. Held at the funky Bluu Bar located in Manchester’s quirky and vibrant Northern Quarter, the stylish surroundings were fitting for an afternoon of networking, celebrating and all things creative. Everyone was greeted by the bar's doormen: no tickets, no guestlist, no age restrictions and the dress code; whatever you wear best. Celebrate Manchester Fashion was neither a typical fashion event nor an average Manchester party. With no V.I.P area, there was no separation between the crowd and the celebrities were relaxed, mingling with likeminded fashion lovers. The laid back vibe was helped along by local DJ Tony Bennet, who provided an onpoint mix of chilled classics and fresh, new music for everyone to soak up. The unique and accentric drinks were flowing all through the event, from decorative cocktails to concoctions served in jam jars and sparkling Champagne to a chilled pint. You could even say that these drinks mirrored each persons different tastes and styles.
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Competition Winners with Jack Shepard & Umar Kamani.
Jsky, Umar Kamani & Anthony Logan - Event Organisers
“One big, free fashion party”.
Welsh Electro Pop artist Kameelion also took to the floor to entertain the crowd with his album track ‘Salvation’, followed by La Vida’s own Jsky, who performed his sultry new single ‘Electrik’. Both artists were praised with cheer and applause from their approving audience before rejoining the celebrations. Throughout the day the ongoing photo shoot was constantly occupied by fashionistas wanting to showcase their original ensembles, individuals who wanted the celebrity experience and anyone who just wanted a photo souvenir of their day at Celebrate Manchester Fashion. Candid shots of the stylish crowd were taken by local photographers, whilst La Vida’s videographer Chris Curtis filmed the ongoing celebrations and interviews. Interviews were hosted by Jsky, who spoke with his fellow host Anthony Logan, as well as local celebrities including Waterloo Road’s Chelsee Healy and Coronation Street’s Ryan Thomas.
The whole day, from start to finish, maintained the same exciting and welcoming atmosphere. With no egos present, Celebrate Manchester Fashion was a gathering for anyone of any age from all corners of the city, to come together and express themselves through fashion. At the same time, meeting likeminded people and industry professionals and generally having a great time. The revolutionary event was attended by such a diverse group of people that it genuinely showed an appreciation for all things creative and all things Manchester. Within the mix were designers, models, musicians, families, marketers, soap stars, celebrities, students, stylists and writers. The event was the ideal place to express yourself and take some fashion risks. It has since been described by its Twitter followers as “One big, free fashion party”. The fashion industry is often perceived as intimidating and very difficult to break into. The trio therefore wanted to offer a chance for anyone to be part of the Manchester fashion scene by breaking down the barriers. They don’t interpret fashion as a set of rules like what is “in” and what is “out”, but as a way to be creative, wear what YOU want to wear and take it to the extreme if you wish. Celebrate Manchester Fashion will be back and possibly even bolder this time. Now that everyone knows what to expect, La Vida Magazine anticipates that the next event will attract even more creative, interesting people, daring outfits, big names and performances. It is definitely something to look out for in the coming months...
“It’s each to their own, fashion is a way of expressing yourself and it’s up to you how you want to do that. Today just gives everyone that chance.” Ryan Thomas “Everyone’s really been brought together. I loved it and can’t wait to do the next one! ” Anthony Logan “ I have really enjoyed myself today. Such a good event. Manchester certainly needs more events like this! “ Chelsee Healey
Interview
Kamani MR.
We caught up with fashion fanatic entrepreneur Umar Kamani Owner of Prettylittlething.com & Boohoo.com @umarboohoo
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he demand for online shopping is on the rise, and has been so for the past few years now. More and more people are opting to shop over the Internet, rather than using the [once] conventional modes of shopping. This growing trend has given us a new outlook and method of shopping both conveniently, from the comfort of our own homes, more affordably, with a wider range of options as well as sourcing from all over the world; it doesn’t matter where you live online. As I am one of the many that opt to purchase online, it was a pleasure to meet one of the people behind one of the UK’s most successful independent fashion sites PrettyLittleThing.com and boohoo.com, Umar Kamani. Speaking with Umar I learnt a lot not only about his family businesses boohoo.com and his new website PrettyLittleThing.com, but also a little into his personal life; his loves and passions and his future aspirations. Umar Kamani is a fashion retailer, businessman, restaurant partner, entrepreneur and all round Mancunian. Growing up in a business minded family working in textiles, it is no surprise that this young 24-year old is sat where he is today.
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“When I was younger I was always torn between fashion and business. I always wanted to be an actor but realized you can’t control your future unlike in business, and I want to be in control of my own success”. Speaking honestly about his childhood, I could see that despite Umar’s business mind and professional appearances, he remains level headed and grounded. Talking about school and his ‘naughty’ behaviour, he joked, “Two thirds of the worlds billionaires have been expelled from school, so I’m on the right track then”. Despite his delinquent childhood, Umar learnt from a very young age not only how to be a businessman, but his own personal sense of style; his fashion. Since then, he told me that he always looks at what people wear and constantly flips through magazines, all to keep on trend personally and from a business point of view. My main interests though were PrettyLittleThing. com and boohoo.com, both business ventures of the Kamani family. With such similar demographics, I was intrigued as to how exactly these fashion sites differ.
Umar explained to me that Boohoo.com is all about affordable fashion whereas PrettyLittleThing.com focuses on affordable accessories. “We already have a site for clothing [boohoo.com], but girls also want accessories and we saw a gap in the market for this; purely accessories”. Both fashion sites have great potential to expand and with this being said, I cannot wait to see what both have to offer for winter. Umar was introduced to the world of fashion at the tender age of 18, when he became involved with his father’s business boohoo.com. Like a true businessman, Umar started from the bottom, and worked his way up to where he is today, despite working in the family business. Now 24, Umar has done a lot at such a young age, something that is truly inspiring. Asking how he felt about accomplishing so much, Umar stated that it “feels surreal”, and I’m not surprised. Seeing how people’s approaches change towards you, you suddenly realise your position of power. “It’s a nice feeling, I’m not going to lie, but you cannot get carried away”. Talking about this aspect of business, Umar couldn’t exaggerate more how important it is not to get carried away with success. Leaving his achievements down to his family, and how much they have shaped him, and helped make him who he is today.
Having seen Umar around Manchester, I have witnessed first hand Umar’s eccentric sense of style. Spending half his time in Manchester and the other half in London, Umar described how his controversial and over-the-top style fits in perfectly in London, “I even get shocked by what people where, but I also get inspired.”
It would always be amazing to be an influential person, but to be influential in fashion would be something else, something that I learnt Umar would love to aspire to. “Down the line I would love to create my own fashion line, something truly influential. My life is fashion now and I educate myself day by day”.
Manchester on the other hand, despite becoming stronger and stronger, still lacks in diversity when it comes to fashion. What stuck with me though, was Umar’s statement “I love fashion, it's always about creating a character about yourself”. A statement that is so true yet isn’t followed.
Before the interview came to a close, I asked Umar my last question, something to ‘lighten up’ the mood but also to grasp a true understanding of his fashion and personality. Asking if stranded on a dessert island, what three items would he take with him, he replied:
I jokingly went on to ask if he would ever extend his fashion sense into his fashion sites,
“I don’t reckon anyone would understand my fashion sense if I took it into boohoo, but maybe one day”. With some ‘extreme’ items on both PrettlyLittleThing.com and boohoo.com, Umar wants to encourage people to be daring, and to accentuate their true personalities and styles, a true entrepreneur in fashion.
“Fashion is all about not taking yourself too seriously, it's about having fun”.
Widening the horizons of Boohoo.com, men’s fashion has recently been introduced along with ‘plus size’ and clothing for older women, expanding both their demographics and their horizons. This is now, I wanted to know what would happen in the future. Not letting any secrets out, Umar informed me that the winter ranges were going to be stronger than ever and will continue to shock people. In reference to Umar himself, he assured me that he would continue to host fashion shows and parties for everyone and anyone to enjoy together, a way to celebrate Manchester.
“I want to try and use what I’ve gained from both fashion sites to my advantage. Become a somewhat pioneer in fashion and go further in the industry as a personal hobby”
“I would take, first and foremost my man bag, I don’t go anywhere without it. Secondly, my aviator sunglasses and of course my baseball cap, just in case I have a bad hair day”. Following my interview with ‘Mr Kamani’, I can clearly state that this Manchester born entrepreneur has grown in many ways. Umar has not only devoloped himself and his business, he has also managed to create a recognition for fashion; a daring and eccentric understanding. You can find Umar on Twitter www.twitter.com/umarboohoo
Written by Athina Macpherson
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Health
A New Dawn Written by Stuart Pilkington
For almost a decade now we have been living by the high-protein, high meat, low-cab diets. It’s so ingrained in our thinking that it’s almost a western mantra that, along with our alcohol and stress obsession, beats the rhythm to which we all move. We’ve had the Atkins, South Beach and, more recently, the Dukan diet. These fad diets tell us that breakfasts consisting of eggs, meat, butter, processed meat and cheese are all the best way to start your day. Yet common sense alone and an innate ability of the human mind tells us this can’t be good, can it? Yes, people lose weight on such diets and, to be honest, they lose a good amount of weight in a fairly short period of time. However, as with many of our western solutions to a problem, it’s short term and can have disastrous life long effects. I, as many, have fallen victim to some of these fad diets and lifestyles. As a personal trainer and wellness coach for 10 years now, there was a time that I took to practice the ‘high meat methodology’. The truth is, I never felt worse. I was constantly tired, irritable and short-tempered with the people around me.
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A good nights sleep was rare for me along with irregular bowl movements that left me feeling constantly bloated and ‘pot bellied’. I therefore set out to find the truth behind what exactly was happening to my body. My answers came from studying natural health and wellbeing. I found that the diet I had been following took a very singular, narrow-minded view of weight loss. Ultimately, I wasn’t nourishing my body and the most startling discovery was that I had been causing some long-term damage to my health. The enemy is acidity, not carbohydrates nor the fats. Our bodies can be engulfed in a very acidic state which is caused by the food we eat and the stress our lives contain, evoking emotions such as anger and anxiety. To rid our bodies of this acidic state, our kidneys, lungs and liver become over worked; depleting these vital organs of key minerals such as magnesium. This constant overworking eventually shuts down the body’s ability to ‘burn off’ or metabolise fats which, in turn, we store. This is the reason behind why, within a matter of days after stopping a high meat protein diet, you pile on the flab!
The cure is simple. Feed your body to help it cope with this acid influx and you will instantly see and feel the benefits. My tip isn’t rocket science and it’s not something I am promoting to make a living. Instead, it’s something to help you. Every time you cook or choose a meal, keep in mind that 'green is good'. There is no need to make radicals life changes, just start simple and then build as you experience the fantastic results. Yes, you will lose weight and yes you will tone up, when following an exercise program, but unlike a diet plan, you will sleep better, become more focused and remain energised. www.myfitness.co,uk As a reader of La Vida Magazine you can get a months half price Online Personal Training Diet & Exercise Plan at www.myfitness.co,uk by typing the voucher code: LaVidaDiet.
Breakfast Greens Smoothie: Small handful of baby spinach 1 banana 1 apple Cinnamon (large pinch) Nutmeg (pinch) 50ml water50ml almond milk 1 scoop Hemp Protein Blend & enjoy. 4 ice cubes 1 tablespoon low fat Greek yoghurt
bean salad Edamame bean, Broad bean & avocado salad with chopped cherry tomatoes, spinach and flacked almonds with an olive oil, vinaigrette and cayenne pepper dressing - give your metabolism a kick.
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/LAVIDAMAGAZ IN E
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@ L AV I DA MAGAZI N E
Health
5
Top
foods to melt fat Written by Stuart Pilkington
Grapefruit Grapefruit works wonders for the body, it’s a true ‘super-food’. According to the latest research undertaken in the U.S., eating a grapefruit daily, as part of a 12-week weight-loss plan and balanced diet, can help you shed over 3lb (1.4kg). The fruit is packed with both vitamin C and enzymes that stabilise insulin levels and therefore promote weight loss. With two kinds of Grapefruits available, white grapefruit is deemed as the most effective, although bitter. If you cannot handle the extremely sour fruit, try adding to smoothies, dressings or marinades can be just as effective.
Spinach Cartoon character Popeye found his superhuman strength from his can of spinach, ultimately Popeye had it right. These leaves help you cull calories by smuggling appetite-suppressing proteins into your body. Researchers have found that the proteins in spinach, known as thylakoids, help to reduce the hunger hormones in your body after a meal. What better way to avoid snacking during the day by slipping a few leaves into your breakfast smoothie or alongside a healthy lunch.
Coconut Milk Beans Packed with fibre, beans are a great way to prevent any unnecessary snacking or hunger pangs. Helping you feel fuller for longer, the natural food doubles your level of the hormone cholecystokinin, the hormone that is responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein, acting as a hunger suppressant. This works as a natural appetite regulator by slowing the rate at which your stomach empties, keeping you satisfied for longer. If you’re fed up of eating the regular kidney beans, edamame beans, chickpeas or lentils made into a soup or broth, why not try them as a cold dish. Add your choice of bean, my favourite are lentils, into your salads. Sprinkled with paprika, cayenne pepper or even a dribble of balsamic vinegar to spice up a boring salad.
Although coconut milk is described as ‘fatty’, the fats it contains are good fats, essential for your metabolism, just like some nuts. This natural drink is usually recommended for maintaining a healthy diet. Recent research has also found that after just one meal, metabolic rates could increase by 5%, proving the power of the coconut milk. When incorporating coconut milk into your lifestyle, try mixing a can of coconut milk with cayenne pepper for curries or even in your smoothies.
Cinnamon One of the first changes I make to a clients eating plan is to add this tasty spice. I recommend consuming approximately a quarter of a teaspoon every day for six weeks and by the end, I guarantee you will feel the reduction in sugar cravings and energy lows. Cinnamon significantly reduces your blood glucose and cholesterol levels as well as increasing your ability to metabolise [burn off] sugar. There are different methods in which you can take cinnamon. Cinnamon can be taken as an Iranian tablet or you can be added (grounded cinnamon) to smoothies, yoghurt, porridge or sprinkled over meat along with chilli powder.
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Food warning: the secret killer!
Foods that blitz fat.
When people embark on loosing weight, or the hope of cutting out the ‘bad’ from their diet and follow a healthier life, the first thing they do is switch from full fat products to ‘diet’ versions.
These soybeans can be eaten fresh and are best known as a snack with a nutritional punch. Rich in carbohydrates, protein, dietary fibre and micronutrients, soy protein is a protein isolated from soybeans. From numerous studies, soy protein has been found to have amazing effects on weight loss. Better still, we have recently learnt it not only helps facilitate weight loss, but also helps ensure that the weight lost is fat and not muscle or water.
Despite the fact diet substitues, in particular drinks, are labelled as ‘low fat’ and ‘low cal’, these do not signify a healthier body and certainly do not help you lose weight. The truth is, these ‘diet’ options could be poisoning your body rather than helping it. With an endless list of chemicals and additives, the worst is the evil ‘Aspartame’. Therefore, next time you choose to pick up a ‘diet’ soft drink, check the ingredients label first. If you see Aspartame listed, put it down! If you don’t believe me, these are just a few of the side effects caused by Aspartame. * Headaches * Dizziness * Mood swings * Vomiting or nausea * Abdominal cramps * Vision problems * Diarrhoea * Memory loss * Fatigue * Rash or hives * Sleep disturbances * Change in heart rate * Seizures and convulsions * Difficulty breathing Certainly not part of a healthy lifestyle, let alone an aid in loosing weight.
Edamame
Low-fat Greek yoghurt Put down the falsely branded ‘Delicious Weight Loss Fruit Yoghurt’ and pick up a ‘Low-Fat Greek Yoghurt’ instead. Most ‘fat free’ or ‘diet’ brands pack their products with sugar and chemical flavourings, that affect the body’s chemical balance. Greek yoghurt is natural, even when ‘low fat’, thick and at around only 80 calories per serving. As plain Greek yoghurt doesn’t appeal to all, adding some fresh or frozen fruits can add the needed energy kick along with a great taste. Even more good news is that Greek yoghurt contains good levels of calcium which is alkalising and aids in weight loss. Top Tips for Weight Loss Simple changes you can make today that won’t feel life changing, yet can make a huge difference. Swap your everyday cows milk to almond, hemp or coconut milk to reduce blood acidity and reduce the chance of storing fat. Drop all ‘white’ refined carbohydrate starches such as white bread, pasta, and rice. Instead, opt for the wholemeal versions loaded with fibre and a higher satiety value (the degree to which food gives a sense of well-being or satisfaction).
Try these tasty energy packed smoothies as a good breakfast option to start your day. Recipes for Protein Packed Smoothies Hazelnut Whirl 1 scoop Hemp Protein 150ml Coconut/Almond Milk 1 tbsp Low-Fat Natural Yoghurt 1 tbsp Hazelnuts 1 tbsp Flaxseeds Strawberry-Kiwi 150ml Almond/Coconut/Soy Milk 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder 4 Sliced Strawberries (frozen is always nice) 1 Kiwi - sliced and peeled 4 Ice cubes Flaxseed Greens powder Sweet Apple Pie 100ml Almond Milk 1 Apple Slice (frozen really adds a nice change) 2 pinches of Cinnamon 1 pinch of Nutmeg 1 Drop of Vanilla Extract 4 Ice cubes
Increase water intake to 3 litres a day. Even being 5% dehydrated slows your metabolic rate down and stops your body being the fat burning machine it’s meant to be. Protein packs a fat burning punch. As you increase your activity you must focus meals on protein and ensure you have a substantial intake. Make sure you have a protein fix in your lunch and dinner but don’t rely just on meat; lentils, pulses and beans will help you drop more fat and hold muscle than any other proteins. Stock up on Spice! Get a good variety of spices such as cumin, cinnamon, mint, coriander, cayenne powder as well as many more as these can be used to make food tasty without relying on sugar or fat filled table sauces.
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Health
RAWFood
Salsa 1 Onion 6 Sundried tomatoes 1 Apple 2 tbspn Olive oil 1/2 Red chilli 6 Cherry tomatoes 1 cup Black beans 1/2 Red pepper 1/4 Cucumber Feeds 2
Not many people know this, but when any food is cooked, the molecular structure is permanently changed and many of the nutrients and live worker-enzymes that are essential for a healthy body are destroyed in the process. This is why so many more people these days are opting for a raw food diet, as a way of achieving optimum health. I, for one, have definitely been converted. Incorporating more raw food into my diet has brought with it endless benefits. My general health and energy levels have improved (makig a big difference to my workouts, assisting my body to adapt more easily), as well as the specifics like my hair, skin and nails. All aspects show signs of changing for the better which has lead to more self confidence in everything I do. Amazing. Eating raw shouldn’t feel like a fad diet; it’s a way of life and, like anything, requires commitment. Most people I know who have converted to this kind of life have started to feel massive benefits after a few months, so give it time and reap the benefits when they inevitably come. As with any level of self-improvement, commitment for a period of time is required before you see the benefits. Stay focused. The great thing I have found about eating raw is that there are endless delicious recipes to try and, usually, a raw version of most dishes that you might crave. It’s just about getting creative, using foods in ways you may not have considered before and adapting the way in which you view food. Nature provides a vast pallet of foods to choose from and mix together. Harnessing nature on any level in life will lead to spectacular things, especially in what you fuel your body machine with. From my personal experience though, you can’t go wrong, so you may as well have fun trying out new dishes with whatever you have in the fridge!
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This recipe for salsa is one of my favourites, and it’s so quick and simple to make. With a bit of practice it takes about 5 minutes to make (no waiting for cooking time). Not only that, but by eating these foods in their natural uncooked form, just the way mother nature intended, you also blast your body with heaps of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, love and positivity. Perfect! Onions not only provide flavour, they also provide important nutrients and healthpromoting phytochemicals. High in vitamin C, onions are a good source of dietary fibre and folic acid. Also containing calcium, iron, and a high protein quality (ratio of mg amino acid/ gram protein), they are also low in sodium and contain no fat. Onions are packed with one of the more potent flavonoids, quercetin, which has the ability to reduce inflammation and counteract bacterial and viral infection. Tomatoes have an endless list of health benefits and are packed full of vitamins and minerals. One of the main ones being lycopene, an anti-oxidant that cannot be produced by the body, but is essential for our health; from preventing cancers and heart disease, as well as lowering cholesterol. Tomatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Apples contain a chemical called pectin which helps strengthen the immune system and detoxification system in the body. It also helps to eliminate cellulite due to its detoxification properties, which is as good of a reason as any for an apple a day! Olive oil is made of monounsaturated good fats, and studies suggest it helps in lowering cholesterol. It is much better to use an extra virgin olive oil as there is less processing involved; higher levels of antioxidants. Olive oil is also connected to much research that shows it is good for most skin problems. Red chillies contain high levels of vitamin C and carotene. They help with inflammation and congestion, so if you can take the heat, go for it. Cherry tomatoes are much the same as their non-cherry counterpart, and I really can’t say enough about all the benefits they will bring. They’re saturated, fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium and packed full of vitamins and minerals. You can’t go wrong, and they’re so diverse you can use them in heaps of recipes.
You can substitute whatever types of bean you fancy in this recipe. I sometimes use kidney beans, but my favourite are black beans. Beans are a great source of protein and fibre, encouraging a healthy digestive tract, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Beans are also packed full of flavonoids with antioxidant potential, helping to prevent cancer. If that wasn’t enough, they also contain the mineral molybdenum, which serves to break down sulfites. Sulfites are found in non-organic fresh produce and wine, and are added to many other foods to help with preservation. They are manufactured and are not required by the body. In fact, many people have allergies to sulfites and aren’t even aware of it, so always check the labels to make sure you know exactly what your consuming and where it comes from. The more natural, the better. Remember 'as mother nature intended' is always a simple and very effective rule to live by not only in life, but your diet too. Red peppers are a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, helps fight infections and turns food into energy. They have also been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, and contain carotenoids, which act as antioxidants. Carotenoids are absorbed better when eaten with oil, so this recipe is a great one for getting the optimum benefits from each ingredient.
Cucumber gives this recipe a really fresh taste, and although they don’t contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, they contain small doses of all the essentials, and actually contain every mineral aside from salt. Low in a high number of minerals and vitamins also has obvious health benefits and a sensible addition to any meal. You really can’t go wrong by adding any amount to your diet.
Recipe Guidlines To prepare the salsa, just add the onion (sliced), apple (cored), sundried tomatoes, chilli, and olive oil to a food processor and process until everything is finely chopped, but not condensed. In a mixing bowl, add the cherry tomatoes (chopped), black beans, cucumber (chopped) red pepper (chopped) and stir in the onion mixture from the processor. Season with sea salt and black pepper to tast or dried chilli flakes if you prefer a hotter salsa!! Be warned though, this recipe can set your mouth on fire, so try it first! Written by Gina www.rainbowcityuk.tumblr.com
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Interview
E VA N D E R H O LY F I E L D The Real Deal
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INTERVIEW
he reason why society loves boxing is because it is the most emotionally accessible sport in world. Many say they meet footballers out and about on the town, but nothing matches having dinner with a man who won the greatest prize in sport, the Heavyweight Championship of the world. Evander Holyfield is the only man to claim the title five times, therefore an opportunity to share a moment side by side with such a man could not be passed up on. Visiting the UK to support the London Olympics, Holyfield took a trip to Liverpool where we met for dinner at the city's Il Forno restaurant. During the meal, Evander revealed an unparalleled calmness to his persona as well as reflecting on his life as a boxer. The inevitable question, ‘how did you start out?’
“I was always a quiet boy, but I was always big. I just got into boxing by accident. I was at the boys club and got in the ring with one guy then BAM, I knocked him down. The next guy came along and we got into the ring. I landed my right hook; I hit him that hard, he ended up standing on his own chest!”
was returned with
Prizefighting is beautifully brutal, yet still to this day it remains a very misunderstood art. The common ideology of angry men trying to render each other unconscious is just what makes our heart race with excitement. Boxing is really about young males channeling emotional frustration in a controlled setting. Take a trip down memory lane. Go back to 1997 Las Vegas and be in awe as you witness the opposite. A controlled self confessed momma’s boy lost a one-inch piece of cartilage from the top of his ear. After several minutes of delay and two points docked from his opposition, Holyfield went right back to work against a man who was incapable of intimidating him. 'Iron Mike Tyson' was soon disqualified for biting both of Holyfield’s ears.
While Tyson was Cus D’Amato’s protégé in New York, Holyfield was a kid playing sports at the Warren Memorial Boys Club in Alabama. His early amateur fights were impressive; knocking out every other kid intuitively. By the time he became a senior at 17, he was already dominating mature boxers in their 20’s. Only the likes of David Haye and Prince Naseem Hamed have demonstrated this level of abality at such a young age here in England.
“People always ask me about two things; my ear, and which time I preferred beating Tyson” explained Evander. He continued to detail the latter. “At the time, all the talk was about Tyson. How Tyson was going to beat me and in what round he would knock me out. The papers were all saying the good guy would never beat the bad guy. That was their whole game plan, that ‘Mike Tyson was going to eat him up’.”
“It got to the point where people would drop out of a fight if they saw me enlisted in their weight division. That’s when the word got out.”
“Tyson and I were meant to be enemies afterwards but the fact is, we spoke straight after the fight and he apologized. He said to me he was sorry and went on to tell me that he didn’t intentionally do it;
The pinnacle of his amateur career was at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was part of a legendry American team that won nine gold medals although Evander was not one of them. Boxing is littered with controversial decisions as we have recently seen at the London Olympics. Evander was a victim of what is still wrong with the sport.
‘I just got so damn frustrated because of how you never lost your cool’" That’s the thing, Holyfield is far from an angry person. “I never had hate in me or anything like that, I had a good childhood, in a good neighborhood and I was happy”. He praised his mother for this...
“...momma said if you try to be someone you don’t want to be, you end up becoming them. I became the fighter I wanted to be”.
The injustice is that he was well on his way to winning the prestigious Val Barker trophy, awarded to the most outstanding boxer of the Olympic games. He KO’d every fighter he faced in the tournament. After he clearly knocked out the Kiwi in the semi finals, the referee called him over and They say in the ring the truth will find you. Many disqualified him for hitting after the break. A near fighters see the ring as home as it liberates them riot broke out as the world witnessed a robbery. from the truths outside. For Evander, the ring is still his fortitude. When asked about his Olympic experience, he wasn’t bitter but he didn’t want to talk about it. Olympic gold can get you a million dollar signing bonus to go professional, but a man he wasn’t boxing against denied him of that. Almost three decades later, he is still fighting. At 49, he wants to fight the Klitschko brothers who currently hold all the world titles between them. Both refuse to fight him because they hold him in too high regard, as it was he that inspired them. Whilst this appears diplomatic, the fact is boxers need each other to make money and some will interpret their refusal as disrespectful.
It is a testament to boxing that prizefighters embrace warmth to each other after a fight. Tyson and Holyfield remain good friends to this day, 'bantering' over Twitter promoting his Real Deal Hot Sauce “...that will make you want to take a bite out of someone’s ear.”
Written by Khes Nazim
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Interview
Style for the Pitch. with Daniel Johnson
Written by Athina Macpherson
H
air is one of the most basic things to get wrong and can completely make or break a look; the wrong colour, the wrong length or the wrong style can take someone from looking fabulous to looking dowdy or even make an expensive outfit look cheap. Yet, hair is one of the last things that people think about when getting ready. It therefore would have been no surprise to me that a hair stylist for the stars would have impeccable hair, a stereotype placed into my mind before I met Daniel Johnson, an image that I could not have got more wrong. Meeting Daniel was a breath of fresh air and a complete surprise. He was charming, tattooed and, the biggest shock in my eyes, had no hair. With 18 years of experience under his belt, and still going, his aim is to set records and do what others don’t. With a string of awards for his work already, as well as several TV appearances from doing what he does best, Daniel still continues to go that extra mile for all his clients and push all boundaries like no other. During my interview with the talented stylist, I managed to grasp a true understanding about the history behind his passion and an insight into the mind of this skilled business entrepreneur.
An already well-known name amongst the hairdressing industry, and one to be feared, Daniel started from a young age holding a vast amount of experience and passion for what he does. “I’ve been cutting hair from about 12 years old”. Informing me that growing up in Hertforshire was what inspired him to become a hairstylist. With few role models and even fewer who could style his hair, Daniel was determined to succeed. With an artistic flair and an eye for creativity helping him, he has never looked back since. Opening his first barber shop at the age of 16 and owning 4 others by the time he was 24, makes Daniel one of the most notorious male grooming stylists around attracting footballers, successful businessmen, actors and many more. Today Daniel has expended his horizons, literally, taking jobs in places such as Dubai, New York, London and of course Manchester. Having created a sound client base along the way, Daniel has managed to completely diversify his business and take hair styling a step further. Daniel has now continued into a ‘bespoke’ service, following clients around the world to hotels, football grounds and events. “I literally get a phone call, turn up to the location, handle my business and fly back home to London”.
Acting as if this was a regular thing for anyone to do, I remained awe struck whilst Daniel coolly continued to explain to me the idea of this VIP service. “I have been doing this for about 3 years now”, noting my expression. “I’m also planning to open 2 penthouse/hair studios where clients can come and have specific things done from an Italian hot towel to a wet shave”. This high-end, salon experience for the most elite of people is something that is unheard of today, especially when it is purely for men; an exclusive members only ‘barbers club’ if you will. It’s impressive, the amount of vision and passion this young businessman has, and all for cutting and styling hair. Becoming a little jealous, I asked the elusive barber whether he was planning on gracing the female side of hair. “I have a new team starting in 2013, that will cover the female side of things; hair, facials, manicures, pedicures and more. I have a great team behind me. It’s going to be big!” With a huge smile on both our faces, I once again learnt that Daniel doesn’t stop just there. “I’ve got my own TV show starting in a few months. It’s similar to a reality TV show where they follow my team and me around, doing what we do”. During this reality show, Daniel will be trying to find his ideal ‘studio’, picking, choosing, and arguing along the way.
Watching the business grow and build with his many clients, dramatic scenarios and even more dramatic and impressive hairstyles, Daniel assures me it will be highly entertaining and one not to miss. Launching in late December, early January, this is another first that Daniel has managed to accomplish, something very different compared to the other reality shows floating around and something that we both agree will be “massive!” In ‘talks’ with a company from 5th Avenue, New York, and the New York Knicks basketball team, I am truly captivated by his enthusiasm and reach that this young entrepreneur has. “I’m just in talks at the moment with them, but if it does kick off, then it’s going to be a great opportunity. I’m talking New York, the Knicks, I’m talking global”. Already cutting hair for some of the richest men in the world from sporting athletes, actors, music moguls, models, TV stars and many more, Daniel holds a vast client portfolio and, by the sounds of it, will continue to increase. What makes me wonder though, is how this coiffeur manages to create so many different styles and cuts considering his wide and varied clientele. “Imagination! The things around me inspire me, but I think it has more to do with understanding and being able to read the client”. Focusing on finding a hairstyle that suits someone personally rather than a style that may not fit them right is what makes Daniel so different and successful. Describing hair as “the ultimate accessory” and “the finishing touch” justifies not only how hair and fashion go together, but also the increasing awareness and demand that the male population hold today, an aspect that Daniel has mastered. Determined to build a brand as well as his hair salons, studios and the VIP ‘bespoke service’, Daniel has also launched his own hair product range. Consisting of the new #hairpaste and #hairgum products, they are already used by most of his clients and further celebrities in the UK and remain in demand, Daniel prides his products for their ‘versatility. Describing hair as individual like a “fingerprint”, Daniel goes on to justify that everyones hair is different. “My hair products can be used on all types of hair, it holds a broad spectrum. It’s non flaky, non greasy, easy
to wash out yet still holds the hairstyle perfectly”. An ideal product, no? Laughing, Daniel describes his brand and work as “The Daniel J experience". With famous cuts seen and known around the world from Mario Balotellis blond Mohawk to Tom Cleverlys stylish do, he has become one of the most talked about stylists and his cuts highly admired and wanted. With many other clients such as Wayne Rooney, Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe, there is no doubt that plenty more famous cuts will be in demand from the infamous Daniel J. Talking about the future, Daniel assures me that he will only go from strength to strength, seeing his brand and name grow. With a chain of stores in sight from Paris to New York and London, Daniel also wants to help young aspiring stylists accomplish their dreams; giving them the opportunity he never had and the knowledge that he has developed. “I can’t see this going down, I can only see this going up, so I’m going to be the first to start it!” You could say Daniel Johnson is the creator of this new movement and change in male grooming, an entrepreneur if you will. Someone who grew up with a vision and a goal and accomplished it through imagination and determination. Feeling blessed to be where he is now, he guarantees to continue to work hard and build his brand, following his dreams and breaking all boundaries, satisfying his passion. I can therefore only believe Daniel will succeed from the pure willpower and resolve he holds both as a businessman but also as a stylist. With such enthusiasm it is only natural that I left the interview in complete awe and respect both for this barber but also for my hair. Hair productss available at: www.danielj.org
Mario Balotelli getting the Daniel Johnson treatment.
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Beauty
La Vida beauty
SKIN CARE ADVICE, MAKE UP HOW-TO’S & HOT NEW TRENDS
A
s Summer draws to a close and Autumn is on our doorstep, it’s time to revamp our make up bags! These two looks are therefore ideal for the changing seasons. The first is to see you through the day and the remainder of any spontaneous summer weather - a fresh and dewy playful make up. The other carries us through to autumn with typiacl fall 2012 trends. This Autumn it's all about deep colours both on the lips and the eyes. Reds are always in trend at this time of year, but why not try a red with a more 'mulled wine' tone and chocolate undertone as opposed to the usual pillarbox red. The key though to this statement look is the use of a good lip pencil. A lip pencil not only accentuates the shape of your lips and the colour of the lipstick, but also prevents the the lipstick from 'bleeding' onto the skin. As for the eyes, a smokey eye is always a classic look, but why not try a coloured smokey eye instead of the standard black - mix it up a bit. Again, I recommend using deep red wine tones in order to give your look a bit more personality and winter chic for the new season. A pine green or deep blue are also good alternatives, and give just as much of an effect.
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Written By Ariana Rose
This season, make up shows a lot more structure as seen on the models for Chanel. Contouring the cheeks or eyes and keeping the rest of the face very muted is definitely a look to try. To contour effectivley, pick a shade of cheek colour, preferably a matt colour close to your skin tone, followed by a blush above the contoured area. To apply the dark lip look, purchase a good lip liner, Currant by MAC is a good starting point. Before starting, it is useful to buff the lip, taking off any excess dead skin with an exfoliating lip treatment. Follow by lining the lip and applying your chosen lipstick. This way not only does it give the lip more definition and presence, but it also looks sharper. Team the lip with a high ponytail and you’ve got an on trend look. For the eyes, a lick of mascara will suffice along with fresh muted skin.
For the 'Fresh Vibrant' look as shown: • Prepare the skin with a moisturiser followed by primer. This helps your make up last all day and keeps it looking just as fresh as when you first put it on.
For the 'Smokey' look as shown: • Prepare the skin in the same way; moisturize and apply primer ensuring make up lasts all day.
• Line the eye with a dark brown eyeliner, and finish with a few coatings of mascara.
• Use concealer around the eye area and up to the brow bone. With a black eye pencil, MAC Smolder, apply a thick line along the top eyelash line, corner to corner. With a flat eye brush, ‘smudge’ out the line untill it reaches the crease of the eye lid. With the flat brush, wing out the ends slightly. This ensures no harsh lines creating a softer look.
• For the skin apply a fresh finish foundation such as MAC Face and Body. This evens the skin tone out, yet doesn’t look too heavy. Apply a coral toned blusher lightly to the apples of the cheeks to complete.
• Apply a black eye shadow with the flat brush. Starting at the eyeline and working up to the crease, cover where you have already applied the smudged liner. This gives the eye make up more intensity and depth.
• For the lips a shade such as MAC Crème Cup looks great for both day and night or apply a stronger pinker gloss for more of an impact.
•Once applied, take a blending brush and go over the outer edges of the eye in order to soften the black line created. Repeat until the edge is no longer harsh.
• Starting with the eyes, apply a light concealer, MAC select, around the eye area and up to the brown bone so you have a clear canvas to work on. Next apply a neutral shade such as MAC Shroom up to the brown bone.
•To highlight the brow bone, apply a shimmery shadow such as MAC Vanilla with a flat brush; this contrasts the dark eyelid. Finish with natural false eyelashes or layer up on your mascara. Make sure to fill in your eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil to ensure a statement look. •For the skin use MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Apply the foundation with a foundation brush to the whole face and set with a translucent powder. Use bronzer to contour the cheeks for added sculpture. •To finish pick a nude lipstick such as MAC Blankety, and apply all over. Opt for a clear gloss lightly all over to finish. LA VIDA 59
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Interview
CATHERINE TYDLSEY INTERVIEW Written by Melissa Hassan
C
oronation Street was voted 'Most Popular Serial Drama' by the National Television Awards in 2011. After 51 years it is now the longest running soap in the world, set on the streets of our very own Manchester. In May 2011 the show welcomed Catherine Tyldesley to the cobbles as character Eva Price. Since then, Eva has grown into an incredibly popular, feisty front runner, winning over many of the show’s loyal fans. Born and raised in Manchester, it’s only fitting that La Vida met with Catherine to get an insight into her life. Seeing as Catherine is a lady of many talents, with experience and skills in acting, singing and modelling, we were equally as curious to hear about what she has planned for the future. The sun was shining but in typical Manchester fashion the wind was strong on the day of our interview with Catherine. We sat outisde Spinningfields The Alchemist in our own little booth, where she looked every bit the glamorous television star; sporting a pair of chic oversized sunglasses. Catherine was warm and engaging as she spoke exclusively to La Vida Magazine about acting, singing and her exciting life so far.
“I just fell in love with the role of Eva”. You can see the passion Catherine has for acting, and for her character by the illustrated way in which she talks about Coronation Street and the casting process. “I’d been back and forth quite a lot to Granada [studios] over the years auditioning for different parts. The casting director, Gennie Radcliffe, had always said ‘Something will come up, it’s just a matter of time’. So when the part of Eva came up, I really, really wanted it”.
Speaking honestly about being cast as Eva Price, it was humbling to hear Catherine open up. Catheine explained how she had previously felt that the odds were against her for such a large role and on such a huge show. “I was really different from the other girls going for it. They were all a lot younger than me, a lot thinner, a lot smaller” She laughs, “I was absolutely thrilled to get it though!”. Although Catherine already had a very impressive résumé, including the lead role of Iris Moss in a BBC drama Lilies, it has been her role on Coronation Street that has really allowed her to shine. Her performance as Eva lead to her nomination for the “Best Soap Newcomer” award at the TV Choice Awards of this year. Intrigued by her list of talents I wanted to find out more about Catherine’s ardour for singing. “Acting is my passion, but singing is a very close second”. Staying local, she began singing for Manchester United as their season singer and went on to serenade the players at functions and events. “It was a great experience and from there it just grew. I still sing as much as I can”. Does this mean we need to be keeping our ears open for a Catherine Tyldesley single? [laughing] “We’ll see what happens”, she hinted. “I’m going to be working with Elliot Kennedy later in the year, he’s basically a number one factory, he’s huge! We’ll get in the studio and chill, and have a bit of a jamming session. If something comes of it, that’d be great”. Very much in support of local talent, last year Catherine relished the opportunity to star in Manchester’s hugely successful sitcom, Shameless. Playing the role of Carly, a controversial character hugely contrasting to her role as Eva Price, we can truly see her diversity as an actor. “Oh God I was minging!” she laughs, as she recalls her part on Shameless. “She was a very provocative character, with some serious issues in her life, and a stutter. It was truly an experience to play the part. She was a very vulnerable character, very different to Eva who is quite independent and feisty”. Speaking to Catherine, she couldn’t be further from any character I’ve seen her play, making me appreciate just how much skill it takes to portray a personality so different from your own.
When speaking to Catherine about the press attention that she now receives, it was refreshing to hear how little it affected her and how she almost overlooked it. Never really a subject of bad press, Catherine openly claimed; “I haven’t got any skeletons in my cupboard. Publicity is part and parcel of the job and we are so lucky to do what we do... As long as they (the press) don’t get me with my skirt blowing up! I feel like I was prepared for it because I already had friends on the show and I saw how crazy it can be”. It is easy to see why Catherine doesn’t attract bad press, her switched-on attitude regarding her profession and respectful nature towards those surrounding her, mean that the press would struggle to find anything negative to say.
“I’m really happy doing Corrie, I’m hoping I’ll be there for a while”. Not many people openly proclaim to be ‘living the dream’, and here is a woman who has worked her way through the ranks and finally works her dream job. Armed with a passion for acting, Catherine Tyldesley has crafted her skill and changed her life. When faced with the big question, “Where would you like to see yourself in the future?”, she already had the answer, “It has always been my dream to be in Coronation Street so I still pinch myself about that really. I’m completely in love with my job so if I can always be a working actress I’d count myself as incredibly lucky. I’m happiest when I’m acting so if I could be busy for the rest of my life - that would be great”. From meeting Catherine I now understand that it is not just her capacity for acting that has taken her to where she is now, working her dream job. Catherine Tyldesley was lucky enough to be surrounded by the right people to prepare her. The real credit though belongs to herself as she was grounded enough to welcome a healthy success with an appreciation of those around her and the ambition to achieve her goals.
LA VIDA 61
desigN. ADVERTISING. BRANDING. MARKETING. BRAND. DIGITAL. ENGAGEMENT. SOCIAL MEDIA.STRATEGY & CAMPAIGNS.
WWW.ITSBRANDED.COM
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Lifestyle
Editors Choice Cuisine
S
apporo Teppanyaki restaurant, sushi and noodle bar is a collection of 3 teppanyaki restaurants within the UK. The first restaurant was launched in Liverpool in November 2003, where the Japanese restaurant brand continued to expand its horizons into Manchester in November 2005 and Glasgow in September 2009. The Manchester restaurant is located on Liverpool Road, just off Deansgate, next to the up and coming Castlefields and a minutes walk from the infamous Hilton Hotel. With the perfect location, it is no surprise that the restaurant is continuously busy and a wellknown situ for the foodies of Manchester. Being a foodie myself and living within a few minutes from Sapporo, the restaurant became a regular favourite of mine for meals with friends and birthday celebrations. Admittedly though, it had been a while since my last visit and I was in dire need for some good teppanyaki, but this also gave me a great excuse to sample their new á la carte menu that I had heard about. Sapporo Teppanyaki is a Western style Japanese restaurant where many believe it to be merely sushi (raw fish). The reality is Teppanyaki is much more and very different to the mind set of ‘raw fish’. Instead, Teppanyaki holds a vast amount of cooked food and Far Eastern flavours for everyone and anyone to enjoy. Taking a friend along, we were ready to sample the exotic menu and the memorable dining experience. With our table booked for 8.00pm on a Saturday night, we arrived at the busy and vibrant Manchester Sapporo restaurant filled with fellow connoisseurs and customers keen to sample Sapporo’s notorious dining experience and unique style of cooking.
Stepping into the restaurant we were greeted immediately by the first hostess; “Kangei”, Japanese for welcome, adding of course to the Japanese orient and background of this sophisticated restaurant. After taking our reservation name, the friendly hostess led us to the bar to enjoy a drink from their vast drinks menu whilst our table was prepared. Purposely arriving half an hour early, purely to indulge in the Japanese style cocktails that Sapporo offers, I ordered straight away my favourite cocktail, the Senji Caipirinia, comprising of fresh strawberries mixed with lime and sugar and finished off with sake and strawberry liqueur. My friend, being an indulgent of wine, ordered a South African chenin blanc, after of course contemplating the wide selection of Japanese whiskeys.
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With Teppanyaki as the main focus of Sapporo, it is no surprise that there is an endless selection of the ‘iron plate grilled food’ (the meaning of Teppanyaki). What took my eye though, were the new sections of the menu; the Signature Fish and Signature Beef. With Redfish Fillet with chilli and Whole Lobster for the fishes and 12oz Porterhouse Steak and 12oz Chateaubriand, 8oz Wagyu for the beef, it justifies the point that Japanese food is not merely raw fish. With such an extensive menu, deciding what to eat works up an appetite. I finally opted for the Barbecue spare ribs for starters, a well known and loved dish of Sapporos, as well as the Uramaki and Vegetable tempura to share. Watching and waiting for a chef to begin the ‘show’ we sipped on another round of wine and cocktails. Watching in awe you forget about your appetite, that is until you take sense of the rich smells and your mouth starts to water. Cooking the fresh ingredients allocated purely from local companies that source their ingredients from all over the world, on a very high heat and very quickly, we were served and devoured our first dishes in no time. Whilst our mains were being prepared we indulged in the ‘Sapporo sauté potatoes’, another ‘delicacy’ from the Japanese restaurant, and the stir fried vegetables, both perfectly cooked, eating them straight away. As a first time visit and experience for my dining partner, absorbing the chef and his ‘tricks’, it was a great plus to be sat with others around the hotplate. Our mains soon arrived, mains that we ordered feeling adventurous. Having chosen the Scallops with ginger and garlic and the Beef fillet with crushed pink and green peppercorns, accompanied with fried rice, our taste buds were in for a treat. Both mains were perfectly cooked, flavorous and full of rich aromas. After devouring our mains as well as the energetic conversations around us, the night was easily one to remember for the both of us. That is until the ‘pièce de resistance’, the highlight of the already extraordinary night. Aside from the whirls and movement of colour and smells as the chef spins, flips and catches ingredients, dazzling us with his culinary skills, a sudden and spectacular display of flames leap into the air as the chef sets alight the grill.
After consuming the incredible and flavorous meal as well as the energetic atmosphere of the Sapporo Japanese restaurant, it was time for our last glass of Sauvignon Blanc before departing. Saying goodbye to our new friends and thanking and praising the talented chef, we took care of the bill and made our way to the door. Taking our coats from the hostess, that had been stowed away before the meal, and giving our last fair well, we both left the Sapporo restaurant in jolly moods. Helped by the wine, but also an effect of the vibrant night, we were both truly satisfied from the evening, not only from the great service and entertainment but also from the exquisite Far Eastern flavours that consumed our taste buds. Promising to visit Sapporo again, and soon, we made our way home, reminiscing on the memorable night. Written by Athina Macpherson
LA VIDA 67
Lifestyle
Editors Choice Cuisine
S
an Carlo Manchester is one of the award-winning Italian restaurants of the San Carlo group based on authentic modern Italy. San Carlo is a must for people who appreciate fine Italian food, good service, luxurious and comfortable surroundings and value for money. This stylish restaurant is situated down a quiet street by one of the city’s top department stores, House of Fraser. Despite the modest location, the restaurant is anything but quiet. Fit for up to 200 diners, the grand dining space is full every night, boasting an exciting atmosphere filled with laughter, the clunking of cutlery and the sizzles from the kitchen. It’s no surprise that this Manchester Italian restaurant is a hot spot for some of Manchester’s most elite faces, with a constant flow of celebrity names gracing the infamous eatery.
The extensive menu emulates the varied stylish crowd that chooses to dine at San Carlos. From pizza to pasta to steaks and lobster, the menu truly caters to the needs of anyone and everyone. With over 250 classic Italian dishes infused with a modern day twist, the fish and seafood sections are ones to keep an eye on, such as the signature Tagliolini Lobster, a San Carlo’s favourite. With fresh seasonal produce sourced directly from the markets in Milan, San Carlo is not only authentic, but of high quality and standard, truly dedicating themselves to the food they serve for their customers. Of course, it would not be a true Italian restaurant though without the correct ambiance to complement the food. The newly refurbished interior and décor offers a fresh new look to the renowned restaurant; changing from the once edgy red and black theme to a new chic peach, white brass and polished yacht wood finish. With the prospect of a private dining room holding up to 30 people, San Carlo is taking their dining experience to a new level truly accentuating the heritage and authentic Italian food and dining experience. San Carlo is not just a dining destination, but also a great location for drinks and cocktails before a night out, after work, or purely to socialize. With the option to perch on a bar stool with a lovely cocktail in one hand and an aperitif in the other, San Carlo is a great venue for everyone; the perfect setting for an intimate evening meal, dining with family and friends, or just for a sociable drink, no matter what, you are guaranteed a great atmosphere. Written by Athina Macpherson
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Recipe
Food of Love
Champagne and Langoustine Risotto
20 grams of garlic (crushed), 250ml vegetable stock, 80grams of butter, 750ml champagne (at room temperature), 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, white peppercorn, 30gr parsley, 2 shallots, 320grams carnaroli rice, salt, 12 langoustines (with shell on)
Preparation
For the langoustine stock:
pull the heads off the prawns and de-vein. Make two lateral cuts in the abdomen of the langoustine. Take out the flesh and set aside. Roughly chop the remaining shell which will be used to prepare the broth. To prepare the broth, take a pan, add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and saute the chopped langoustine shell, add the chopped shallots and a glass of Brandy and flambe. Next add a glass of the champagne, followed by a glass of hot water, and simmer for 10 minutes over a low heat (cover with a lid). Season to taste. Next strain the broth to remove the shell. in another pan, melt 50grams of butter, add chopped shallot and carnaroli rice. Toast for a few minutes and slowly add the remainder of the champagne. continue cooking the rice, slowly adding the broth which was prepared earlier, a little at a time. Meanwhile, cut the flesh of the langoustine into small pieces. Gently heat a pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and crushed garlic until golden. Add the langoustine and cook for 2 mins, season to taste. Remove from the heat and keep warm. Once the rice is al dente, add the langoustine, stir and turn off the heat. Serve the risotto and sprinkle with white pepper and parsley. n
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 125ml Brandy - 2 shallots (chopped) - Salt
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people
Lifestyle
W
ith a society now looking to eat, live and be healthier, it is no surprise that life has been adapted for our heightened needs; our sweet tooth has even been given its own, healthy alternative to indulge in. This is where Frurt come in. During my interview with Manchester’s first and leading Frozen Yoghurt retailer, I learnt a great deal not only about the up and coming food trend, but also about the business and how it all began. Meeting Syed and Shaza, owners of Frurt frozen yoghurt, at their new Spinningfields location, it was a surprisingly sunny day, and the 5 month old store was booming. The store itself is similar to that of their first opening store of August 2011, located on Whitworth Street West. The colours remain the same; the fresh and clean white, along with the simple yellow and organic green, all keeping to the house style. With such clean colours, comes simplicity. The open kitchen, as such, truly exaggerates how proud and sure Frurt are about their products.
“We have nothing to hide. Everything is open for the customers to see, and we prefer it that way”. Speaking to Syed and Shaza, I felt the passion that they hold for their business, and their true determination to keep at being the best, with an award under their belt, winning ‘Entrepreneur of The Year 2012’ there is no surprise as to why. As the first frozen yoghurt bar in Manchester, it is only natural that they hold this willpower to succeed. Having eaten at Frurt before, I wanted to know a little more about the business, the ‘behind the scenes’ if you will. The premium frozen yoghurt is made daily on site, with ever changing flavours and concoctions for customers to sample and buy. “We are one of the only frozen yoghurt retailers that actually make our product daily, and on site. This way we ensure that the taste is not only of highest standard, but that the customers can see that we are what we sell; fresh and healthy”. The fat free, low calorie and low sugar frozen yoghurt contains both probiotics and prebiotics, unlike many that hold purely probiotics. Promoting a healthy lifestyle and living, Frurt follow exactly what they offer, no small print and no hidden additives, simply healthy frozen yoghurt, catered to the needs of their customers.
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During our meeting, I learnt that Frurt wasn’t an intentional business venture. Instead, Syed and Shaza set about in the prospect of creating a dessert parlour. Stumbling upon this missing market though, they set about researching the markets individually, concluding that ‘fro-yo’ was huge in America, growing in London, but missing in Manchester. Seeing the opportunity to open something individual and unique, Frurt was
born. Pushing their passion and individuality above the rest, Frurt became the first frozen yoghurt bar in Manchester, and the first in the UK to hold Soya frozen yoghurt. “Soya has become a huge craze, especially in America, and as the only frozen yoghurt bar to specialize in Soya, we prove that we’re individual and not a copy. This is our USP.” With Soya now an ‘it’ thing, the combination of Soya and frozen yoghurt, makes the health benefits even greater, and Frurt even more impressive. As frozen yoghurt has grown around the world and become as in demand as ice cream, I wondered how frozen yoghurt, in particular Frurt frozen yoghurt, differed from anything else. “We promise and assure that our frozen yoghurt is as healthy as it gets. We make it daily with our own recipe, and through trial and error, have found our unique method. Many frozen yoghurts may be fat free and low cal, but are laden in sugar. Ours is not”. With this said, I was sure frozen yoghurt as a whole was very healthy. Not true. Many recipes are ‘laden’ with sugar in order to preserve the taste when making in batch. Learning that they may be low in fat, doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no sugar and completely defies the point of eating healthily. Syed and Shaza assured me that as they make their frozen yoghurt on site, the only sugars included are natural occurring sugars.
With an ever-changing menu, adaptable to each season and temperamental English weather, the owners spoke to me about their new ‘Winter Warmer’ menu. “Think cinnamon and spices, hot sauces, mini mince pies, porridge for breakfast with seasonal fruit. All comfort foods for winter, but made healthy with frozen yoghurt”. I personally cannot wait until winter now, but these are just the toppings, the icing on the frozen yoghurt if you will. A new flavour of frozen yoghurt will also be introduced, flavours that change regularly and each as delicious as the previous. For autumn/winter, I was informed a chocolate flavour would make an appearance, a flavour that’s nutty and tasteful, complementing the autumn/winter tastes and weather. “We only choose and use ingredients and toppings that are in season. With fruit, you can’t introduce a fruit that’s not in season, otherwise it’s obvious it will not be fresh, or it will be full of preservatives, and that goes against our business ethos”. Frurt are obviously heading in the right direction, with not only dedicated and constant new customers, but also a huge fan base from celebrities. With the likes of JLS, Chipmunk, soap stars, TV presenters, X-Factor winners and many more visiting the frozen yoghurt retailer, I can safely say that Frurt meet the highest of demand. “People slowly understand why we are so proud of our business and why we believe we are the best".
“You get what you pay for with us, and we take care of our customers.” With such a wide client base, it is only natural that the menu reflects the different wants and needs of the customers, with a variety of flavours and ingredients to choose from. Cookies and Cream, New York Cheesecake, Candy floss, Tiramisu, Piña Colada (La Vida’s favourite) and Chocolate Nut are just some of the flavours that Frurt have incorporated as frozen yoghurt. With a Green Tea frozen yoghurt, full of antioxidants, a Soya option and various toppings sourced from Japan and America, the health benefits of Frurt are endless.
Not only that, but the products cater for everyone’s needs no matter your religion, diet or intolerance, Frurt thinks about their customers first and foremost. As well as fruit parfaits, smoothies, fruit and, of course, frozen yoghurt, the ‘fro-yo’ bar will continue to expand its menu and in turn continue to stay on top. Frurt are not just about the frozen yoghurt though, and I am not referring to their menu. Syed and Shaza are determined to ‘give back’, supporting many charities and charity events from Macmillan Cancer Support, to Once Upon a Smile, dedicating their ‘first birthday’ to raise money and awareness for the charity. With numerous invites to charity events, Frurt take pride in what they do as a business, but who they are in society and will continue to do so for as long as they can. Birthday parties and private functions are also part of the Frurt experience, as well as sponsoring events, from Kiehl’s in Selfridges to Manchester’s Street Dance team, and contributing to the universities’ ‘Fresher’s Fair’, the list is endless. “[laughing]… we also do weddings!” With the possibility of expanding in the future, Frurt has great potential, and rightly so. “We are thinking about franchising, but we haven’t found anything suitable yet. Manchester will remain ‘ours’ as it’s where we began. But when the right time comes and the right contact, we will expand to other cities in the UK and possibly internationally.” After many offers to franchise, it is sure to say that Frurt is in high demand, and will continue to grow over the next few years. Syed and Shaza will run the Manchester stores themselves, giving back to their hometown. With the prospect of opening a third store in Manchester soon, location is top secret, it looks like Frurt will remain at the ‘top spot’ for a long time. Written by Athina Macpherson
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DYNASTY
Chauffeuring Services Manchester
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Welcome to dynasty where we highly value our reputation in the industry and our relationship with you. Our expertise coupled with our impeccable management staff will deliver quality service to you and your group. With our fleet of top quality cars, stretch to Mercedes S Class; Mercedes People Carrier and an Audi A8. We can also provide other vehicles if the clients have certain requests, we will provide the ultimate transportation experience to you and your group with our network of prescreened affiliates around the world along wiht an extensive fleet of top quality cars. We will take the time to plan every detail of your special occassion, whether it be for business or pleasure. With our event coordination services, we will go the extra mile to make sure that the event is as special as you hoped for with hotel, restaurant and nightlife bookings.
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Nightlife
Editors Choice Top Nights
The Manchester Scene Sponsored by OvalVodka & Dynasty Chauffeuring Services
Coming to Manchester and spending your night out on The Manchester Scene can be not only daunting but also confusing. Where do I go? What do I wear? How do I get there? For those visiting Manchester for the first time and for those who have lived and partied in Manchester, the questions and uncertainties remain unchanged. In truth though, Manchester caters for everybody’s needs and tastes and not only this, it continues to change and grow day by day. Going back, the Manchester scene first started towards the end of the 1980’s with musicians gracing the city from The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Smiths and many other bands. Fast forward to 2012 and a lot has changed… The Manchester scene now ranges dramatically, where you can find anything from big-budget nights competing with student based clubs to DJs kicking it in the basement of local pub-clubs.
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You’ll run into art-school and trendy bars as well as venues hosting some of the best Djs from around the world. Of course Manchester hosts an array of more luxurious highend nightclubs, places where the VIPs can indulge in a glamorous nightlife experience. With a diverse selection and wide variety of music, atmosphere and crowds, the Manchester scene holds everything and anything you want at your feet and disposal. Quality and options are endless, but the question is, are there too many? So many promoters and so many flyers floating around, but within all of this is there the slightest chance of good quality? The answer is yes. Amidst all this competition and rivalry there is something keeping the Manchester Scene alive. The Manchester Scene is a basket of opportunity for everyone; big enough to be diverse but close enough to become talked about.
In the online age in which we are living, anyone can become someone in a few short weeks, everybody competing for the top spot, and there is nowhere more notorious for this premise than Manchester. So here comes the final, and most important question, who can I trust? With so many physical and virtual invites, so many options, how do you know who is honestly speaking the truth, and who is just selling you air. This is where we come in. Through thorough research and first hand experience, we have compiled a list, so be it a small majority, of the best destinations and venues within the Manchester scene for the best Manchester nightlife experience. This list will continue with each months issue, depending on who can maintain their consistency and quality or whether someone else can take over the top spots. We will give you our honest opinion in order to aid you into having the best nights and making the most of The Manchester Scene.
Nightlife
T H U R S D A Y S
I
t’s a Thursday night on ‘The Locks’, a weekday night, but for some reason it feels different, it looks different. Weekday nights are usually full of just students, but Thursday is distinctive; a sea of glamorous dresses and killer heels, guys in their best attire and an atmosphere full of anticipation and excitement… It’s Eivissa. As one of the most well regarded club nights in the country today, Eivissa has grown and expanded, setting a new standard amongst the Manchester Scene. It was therefore a pleasure to meet the entrepreneurs behind the sought-after night and get to know, not only about the history of the brand, but also the faces behind the name. Scott Shashua, Michael Iskalachi and Scott Thomas started the Eivissa brand back in 2009 in Wilmslow’s Revolution Bar; a night that was unique to Wilmslow and remains so to this day. Starting from a young age, early 20’s, meant that the night came with its up’s and down’s, an aspect all too familiar within the fickle industry. Speaking to the SMS Promotions team though, I learnt that for them, this became an opportunity and a drive for success.
“There were times when we thought about giving up but we knew that there was something there. Since then, we’ve been more focused and went on to do better and better”.
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Never giving up is key to success. It therefore holds no surprise to me that the threesome did their best to keep there night and ,in turn, grow with their passion. Through this drive and ambition, the team managed to create a renowned night in Wilmslow and upon this, build their brand. A year later, the SMS Promotions team were able to expand into Manchester, gracing the city with their unique event and crowd after waiting for their perfect opportunity.
“We really took our time and waited. We waited for the perfect place to take our brand”. With the opening of a new club located on Deansgate Locks, Eivissa was finally brought to Manchester. The Japanese and lavish surrounding of Sakura has made it the perfect setting and very attractive location for a glamorous club night like Eivissa. Having spent nights dancing away and socialising at Eivissa, I can easily say from first hand experience, that it is an exceptional event. Eivissa evokes an extravagant attitude with bottle service and a mixture of music from award winning DJs, never mind the regular appearances from cultured celebrities. The most diverse and unique aspect of the Thursday night event though, are the people. With a diverse crowd, accentuating the team behind the clipboards and velvet ropes, the night not only brings a mixture of ages, but also a variety of groups; young professionals, males and females, young and old, there is obviously something for everyone at this lavish night. Everyone socializing together, enjoying the fine music and unique atmosphere that the SMS Promotions team demands.
“The main thing for us is it doesn’t matter whether you are a student, a footballer, a celebrity or a young professional, we just want everyone to come together and have fun. We want the night to be accessible and, most importantly, that our customers are happy and satisfied” With the weekday nights taken over by purely student events, it is refreshing to have an elite and yet diverse crowd at a venue that’s luxurious and exciting. The trio have undoubtedly accomplished a lot at such a young age. Despite their two very successful nights in and around Manchester, they have also catered for large-scale events both within the UK and abroad. In 2011, Eivissa became the official after party for The Soap Awards hosted in Manchester, gaining the rights after contacting ITV directly. With the likes of TOWIE, Jesse Metcalfe and many more TV stars, the night must have been a huge success first time round. Approached to host again, the boys took to Café de Paris in Leicester Square, London, in April to host the official after party for The Soap Awards 2012. Later on this year, Eivissa took a step further and once again set a new bar for Manchester; Eivissa went on holiday.
Now firmly back in England, I asked the boys where else they were planning on taking the nightlife brand. “We’re in talks with some of Ibiza’s finest beach clubs for next year, but within the UK, hopefully Liverpool”. As true entrepreneurs, expansion is not that simple. The two Scott’s and Michael think outside the box, and want to ensure that any new events or new venues are new and exciting to that location. “We want to capitalize on things that haven’t been done before. We’re therefore very patient with it all…”. Through this, it can truly be seen how and why Scott
S., Michael and Scott T. have made their brand so successful and sort-after. With patience, persistence and dedication, the boys have created a night that not only has great demand locally, but potential at some of the biggest summer venues in Europe. Ultimately, Eivissa serves as an elegant and resolute source of networking. With the possibility of meeting anyone and everyone and enjoying everything and anything, it can easily be said that the night is one of few in Manchester truly catering for the clientele. A night that wants to be known for its beauty and exclusivity, an event that with years to come, will be known as the night. Why not? By the way things are going could this not be the case? The only way to truly find out for yourself, is to head down to Sakura on a Thursday and join the SMS Promotions team and experience the phenomenum that is Eivissa. Written by Athina Macpherson
The summer of 2012 was the first to see Eivissa take stage elsewhere. Approached to host a night in sunny Marbella, Nikki Beach welcomed Eivissa with open arms for the Jubilee weekend. Following the success of the weekend event, the boys were called to follow up and host with award winning musician Tinie Tempah at club Aquamist. These accomplishments are impressive, especially to three young men that have managed to come so far in just a few years, but what to me is most impressive, and most important, is their attitude. “A lot of hard work has gone into Eivissa and everything else we do. We never take anything for granted and continuously want to push ourselves”. With so much success, it’s not hard for someone to get ‘caught up’, but this isn’t the case. After recently winning the Eclectic Clubs & Bars award for The Best Promoters of 2012 the trio have remained grounded and honest, especially when talking about their achievements; something that personally I believe will make them even more successful.
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every saturday @ the circle club
A
weekly Saturday night event hosted at the number one celebrity and VIP venue in Manchester, The Circle Club. With a host of Manchester’s best DJ’s and an elite crowd, Taboo promises to satisfy all your needs. With constant bottle service, the best of music and luxury booths, there is something for everyone. The perfect venue to socialise with friends and entertain clients, whether in the main club or the Inner Circle, this is truly the place to be seduced on a Saturday night.
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Nightlife
T
he Circle Club is one of Manchester’s most well known and renowned clubs on the scene. With an infamous image as a ‘Private Members Club’, Circle has become greatly talked about and highly desirable, with A-list celebrities and top nights seen and hosted at the Manchester venue. Intrigued as to how this club has managed to come so far, and not lose its ‘status’, I insisted on meeting the people behind the name. Asking firstly how the idea of becoming and naming The Circle Club as a ‘Private Members Club’ came about, I learnt that it was intentional. As Manchester was ‘up and coming’ the managers wanted to have a venue for all the ‘creatives’ in the city to socialize, network and meet new contacts; what better way to do so than in a ‘Private Members Club’. With London well known for housing such private clubs, and the fact that Manchester was growing, it was only fitting to supply the North West with one, especially for those customers who were visiting on business. This is where Circle came in and created something that was in demand. As the years have gone by, The Circle Club has expanded its clientele base and image as a ‘Private Members Club’ and an élite celebrity venue.
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Due to the exclusivity of the club, and the discretion included when visitingThe Circle Club, it is a welcoming atmosphere for various celebrities and sports personalities to socialize, and always has been. With many soaps and some of the biggest football clubs based in the North West, it is only natural that the celebrity culture has grown and therefore one of the main reasons why the club has attracted so many customers; people wanting to ‘rub shoulders’ with these personalities they see on TV. I was informed though that the club has not only diversified with the introduction of celebrities but that the clientele has varied for many reasons. With corporate events held mid-week along with after parties and meetings, The Circle Club has also become a great venue for entertaining clients and contacts on the weekends. With the dedicated weekend customers that use the club to party as they know how; dancing and drinking until the early hours of the morning, there is a mixture of ages where no one feels to young or to old, a pleasant change from many of the Manchester clubs.
“Life is Beautiful.”
With the club going from strength to strength, with a notorious reputation and an ever-increasing demand to attend this top club, there is of course great pressure in sustaining this position. With a diverse clientele and range of nights and events, the venue will continue to grow reflecting the attitudes of the mangers; determined and passionate about the club. With the celebrity and VIP aspects attracting customers, the regular clientele come back for a reason because they enjoy their night. As a team, The Circle Club, want to make everyone feel like a celebrity and make their experience memorable and special. With a wide range of shows and events having been held at The Circle Club it is unlikely that the club will lose its top spot any time soon. From exclusive store launches and fashion shows with the General Store Launch party, Forever Unique with Alex Gerrard, Diesel, Mulberry, Hervia Bazaar, Calvin Klein and many more, the club caters to a vast clientele base and a diverse range of use. Along with corporate events with Nokia, Palm Pre, Photolink, M.E.N, Zurich, Halliwells and The Chamber of Commerce, the club does not fail to amaze me but not only this, does not fail to make the most of its beautiful interior. With the ‘Inner Circle’ and ‘Main club’, the two unique selling points of the venue differ extremely; one room is more relaxed and rustic, whereas the other is gothic and based around the seven deadly sins.
Not just the typical club, The Circle Club takes advantage of everything it has to offer from the restaurant upstairs to the club and VIP rooms downstairs. Exclusive events for Manchester United and Manchester City, Coronation Street cast and crew as well as private birthday parties (Mark Feehliy from Westlife), the club is not the average Manchester club. Despite all this, the managers proudly informed me that they were the only club to have turned away Justin Timberlake, twice! With a strong team behind the scenes, I can see the business growing with even more creative ideas for events, club nights and fresh and new aspects to bring to Manchester. Written by Athina Macpherson
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T
he Locks holds a vast amount of potential and competition, yet the Sakura bar manages to maintain a constant flow of partygoers. With a vast array of events held at the two floor club, there is more to Sakura than meets the clubbers eye; an array of Japanese food to complement the Japanese interior and décor of the venue. The Sakura club is located on Manchester’s Deansgate Locks, a stretch of some of Manchester’s busiest restaurants by day and bar/clubs by night. Despite the constant flow of people, Sakura manages to remain an exclusive and elusive destination both during the day and of course at night. With events such as Bedroom (Mondays), Bonsoir (Wednesday), Eivissa (Thursdays), Buddha Beats (Friday) and Sekushi (Saturday), Sakura offers an array of nights for everyone and anyone to enjoy. What remains constant though, is the fashionable mixture of high-end clientele that grace the venue.
There is more to Sakura though than the nightlife events and parties. During the day, Sakura is a lively restaurant, serving an infusion of traditional Pan-Asian Cuisine, with a contemporary twist. With experienced chefs that deliver delicious tasting sushi dishes including Sashimi, Nigiri, Hoso Maki, Uramaki along with Bento Boxes and classic Pan-Asian dishes, the beautiful selection of oriental food is different to anything on ‘The Locks’. Sakura offers something for everyone, from exceptional events to exceptional food, special appearances by celebrities to famous DJs. The restaurant bar club is not only in an ideal location but a fun and lively environment for people to visit, socialise, eat, drink and dance their night away. With two-floors, Sakura is different to that of many clubs. The top floor stays with the Japanese style theme of the sushi-bar restaurant, with Buddha’s, flower décor and bamboo details, along with a newly refurbished dance floor and booths. The downstairs holds a spacious dance floor, bar and the exclusive VIP Opium Lounge with bottle service all night long.
Nightlife
W
alking into Entourage was a shock to the system. Having first visited Entourage on a crazy night out 2 years ago, I can happily say that the super club has changed dramatically, and for the better. This huge, long-standing club has gone from dark and dingy to something breathtakingly designed and sophisticated. Throughout the interview it was clear to see that the new owners Minesh Parekh and Nitin Solanki, have truly turned the club around and have made it something that lives up to its potential, but also something that they feel close to their heart. Minesh was part of the Entourage family from the start, running his first night for the club at the age of 23 (known then as Paparazzi). “I remember thinking that the club had so much potential and that I could do so much with it. A perfect venue for club nights, shows or even corporate events. It was a dream to have the opportunity to take over the operations 6 months ago and since then the experience has been surreal.” With so many new ideas and projects on the table, I can honestly say I can see this club going somewhere. The interview was intimate and welcoming, seeing humble club owners was, to be honest, refreshing. With a huge smile on his face, Minesh opened up about his love for the club and the prospects and ideas he held to re-invent the image and stigma the venue once held. Explaining how Entourage is one of the only main purpose-bought clubs in Manchester, holding a capacity of 800 people, it is the perfect venue for Minesh and Nitin to put into practice their ideas and dreams. With a pure interest in hosting good events for the people, calling it ‘the peoples club’, the businessmen want to diversify not only the nights that will take place but also the crowd and social groups; aiming the club from students to young professionals.
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“We feel that exclusive venues come in and out like fashion. We therefore aim for the club to be appealing all year round and putting the ‘people’ first, we intend to hold a diverse range of music, events and nights to appeal to everyone, always”. With big events already having taken place at Entourage, I was assured many more were to come. As well as the infamous Jay-Z and Kanye West hosting their official Watch The Throne after party at the club, Niki Minaj also graced Manchester and the Entourage stage at the start of summer. Both times the club was at full capacity and the events were ones to remember. Unlike most after parties and nights, where entry is strict and sometimes impossible, Minesh and Nitin took these aspects into account and explained, “… as long as everyone is dressed appropriately and holds the correct ID, the venue is open to anyone for them to enjoy the entertainment. We just want the people to have fun”. Diversifying once again, the renowned event ‘Pacha’ was also hosted at the super club earlier this summer, where the great night brought with it outstanding feedback, making the events truly worth wile. Leading onto my next question, I asked the young businessmen why they chose to host such extravagant events with such huge names considering the risks that they entail. Surprisingly, I was responded with honesty; “The sole purpose was commercial viability”. Minesh described to me how these huge events would ensure that the people notice how far and beyond Entourage is willing to go to bring inthe best of entertainment for us to enjoy. “We want people to know that we are a club willing to take risks and gambles. We want everyone to enjoy their night and come back because they’ve had such a good time with the DJ’s or acts.” Having now opened Entourage to a whole different market it has taken the club from the once ‘urban’ stigma, to a new diverse image and truly making it ‘a peoples club’.
With a variety of nights on the cards, the opportunity for diversity is possible. From September Entourage aims to host student orientated nights from Monday through to Thursday, changing the product portfolio to student based during the week. The weekends on the other hand, will entail an ever-changing variety of nights, varying from RnB to Electro House, Garage and many more for everyone to enjoy. With the unity of 3 of the Northwest’s biggest house promoters, launching their new night, a fortnightly feature, on the last week of August, the club has truly opened its horizons, and in turn, its possibilities for the future. “With the main objective of ensuring optimum capacity, we have, and will continue, to re-invent the venue”.
With the prospect of expanding the Entourage name and developing themselves as businessmen, Minesh and Nitin aim to venture out to different cities such as Leeds, Liverpool and Sheffield, building their product portfolio and recognition along the
way. With 2013 dawning, it is an exciting time for everyone, and by the sounds of it, a great start to the re-invention of Entourage, both within the industry and the club itself, through total refurbishments. This new and efficient operations team and the increasing recognition from within the industry, Entourage has true prospects and viability to grow and become stronger, “…changing what the venue was and building upon the rest of the business.” The business to be ‘a peoples club’. As a final note, Minesh fair-welled me with a statement that stuck with me “you’re part of our entourage”. This may sound cheesy on paper, but thinking about how the club used to address itself with ‘bring your entourage’, this statement not only shows how the club has truly changed and diversified, but also that the club is now interested in creating a family and a sound customer base. You can change the upholstery, you can change the name or you can change the nights but if the people behind the scenes don’t believe and understand in what they’re doing, there’s no hope. Luckily, I can safely say that this is not the case. With the prospects of so much to come I cannot wait to see what this venue has in store and how it will continue to grow and change.
Written by Athina Macpherson
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Nightlife
The Living Room The Living Room is a classy, chic, and sophisticated restaurant bar located in the heart of Manchester, on the upmarket Deansgate. The Living Room is known for its fabulous food, incredible atmosphere, impeccable service and of course, their delicious cocktails. Popular with many celebrities and an elite crowd, the resto-bar has been deemed as one of Manchester most respectable venues since its opening in 1999. The ‘it’ spot is made up of three intricately designed floors, all holding their own purpose. The ground floor, The Living Room, is a lengthy bar area with perfectly arranged booths, tables and stools for a truly sociable atmosphere. Along with a wide selection of spirits and an even varied cocktail menu, it is the perfect destination for drinks after work or as a stop before a longer evening. The next floor, a floor separated by a small step, comprises of a lavish ‘Dining Room’, a space where diners can eat the heralded cuisine besides a grand piano and live singer; heightening the luxe dining experience. The final floor holding merely 50-100 people is known as ‘The Study’, one of Manchester’s lone and exclusive Private Members bar. The perfect venue for a private dining experience; entertaining clients or purely for special occasions. The quality of The Living Room is well above most resto-bars in the area, with delicious food, a lively dining experience, atmosphere and exciting drinks. Weekends are busy, filled with some of Manchester’s most wellknown celebrities, entrepreneurs, footballers and faces. The atmosphere is energetic and sociable, everyone preparing for the busy night ahead, going on to other luxurious clubs. With a strict door policy over the weekend, the weekdays are much more relaxed; yet do not lose the exclusivity of the restaurant bar. The Living Room is a unique destination and venue for fine dining, drinks and cocktails, whether it be a weekday or a weekend, the experience does not falter, nor does the service. Written by Athina Macpherson
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Music
IN THE MIX WITH
dj jini cowan Welcome to my first column for La Vida! Let me introduce myself... My name ís Jini Cowan and I am a 21 year old DJ and Producer from Manchester. In this section you can find all things house; whether it be new releases, upcoming events, special interviews with DJs/Producers from the music industry or even an idea of what I'm up to with my career so far. Considering I started being active in the industry a couple of years ago, 2011-2012 has certainly been crazy for me as an artist, accomplishing some huge achievements; appearing in Mixmag a couple of times, air time on Capital FM and really just getting my name onto the 'map' so to speak. I'm hoping 2013 and beyond will be just as amazing if not even more. I hope you all enjoy reading this section as much as I did composing it.
Some tunes that have been working the dancefloors for me over summertime... Hunter Game, FreakMe - Sea of Love (Original Mix) (Get Physical) DJ Rum - St Martins (Original Mix) (On the Edge) Frederik Eisink - Guess What (Original Mix) (Gramafoon Recordings) Dan Farserelli - Rude Boy (Original Mix) (Act Natural Records)
5 MINUTES WITH
D U S K Y...
Dusky - I'm Running feat. Solomun (Synkro Remix) (Anjunadeep)
Plus, recommended tracks for your September download sessions! Will Clarke (Maquina Music) 1.Dj Chus & Matthew Codek - Movin’ & Groovin’ [Will Clarke Remix] 2. Groove Armada - Pull Up feat. Slarta 3. Will Clarke - No Muff Too Tuff 4. Shadow Child & James Talk - Comb Over 5. Lempo & Japwow - Leaders Of Men [Will Clarke Remix] www.djwillclarke.com Clinton Houlker (Resonance Records) 1. Clinton Houlker - The Ride - Resonance Records 2. Alexis Raphael - Beverly Hills - Lower East 3. Max Chapman & No Artificial Colours - Jack And The Beans - Resonance Records 4. Green Velvet - Shake & Pop - Rise 5. 101 - Rock To The Beat - Speed Next release; Matt Fear - That Girl (Clinton Houlker Remix) Mexa Records Tom Brady (Purp & Soul) 1.Danny Daze - Zone (Future Classic) 2.Villanova (FR) - Take You (Denote) 3.Hunter_Game - Don’t Feel The Presence (Hot Creations) 4.S.M.A.L.L - Slow Down (Sensual Sounds) 5.Mark Wells, Tom Brady - Reality EP (Savoir Faire Musique) Releases out now on Purp & Soul, Stripped Digital and Savoir Faire Musique gaining support from the likes of Maya Jane Coles, Cera Alba, Mark Knight and many more.
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My favourite producers at the moment, Dusky. These two talented boys have been making serious waves in the house scene lately, with their EP ‘Flo Jam’ released on the mighty Dogmatik Records soaring into the charts. I caught up with them for a quick chat. So for those who don’t know you, can you briefly introduce yourselves? We’re Nick Harriman and Alfie Granger Howell, aka Dusky, two DJ/producers from London. Favourite track(s) at the moment? Mark Henning - Trojan Any new releases or gigs you think we need to know about? We’ve got a two track EP coming out on a new label called 'School' in October. We’ve also got a remix of Justin Martin’s track 'Don’t Go' and a remix of an old house/garage classic on Toolroom due out late October.
What’s the worst club you’ve ever been to? Probably a club on Archway roundabout in London called 'Chico’s'. Never go there, you have been warned! What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you? Be yourself! Funniest memory when DJ’ing? Hard to think of one specific funny moment, but one of our most memorable gigs was definitely playing the sunrise set on new year’s eve last year in Kenya. It was an amazing experience. Lastly, how would you describe ‘Dusky’ in 3 words? Deep, groovy, and melodic. For more information on Dusky: www.facebook.com/Duskymusic www.soundcloud.com/duskymusic www.residentadvisor.net/dj/dusky
IN THE MIX WITH
DJ STEVE-O
Music tastes vary from person to person and from place to place. When it comes to people’s music tastes, some are very specific and some love everything and anything. Either way, it’s comforting to find a place that homes your favorite type of music, a place where you can listen, enjoy and indulge with those around you. Manchester is a diverse city growing day by day and responding to the needs of the people just as quickly. It is therefore only fitting that the music industry within this great city is recognized and broken down for you to understand and enjoy. This is where La Vida comes in. We understand that it can be hard and in turn disheartening when searching for the things you love, especially if you are new to the city or visiting.
LA VIDA EDITOR’S CHOICE : CONCERT DATES These are a few selected events happening in Manchester over the next month, until our next issue. These concerts range from the now popular Urban to the classic everyday Pop with a splash of light rock, and a hint of house. This list will help guide you through from autumn to the winter enjoying your favorite category of music, or even the possibly of experiencing new music different to what you usually opt for.
Manchester isn’t all about partying and going out. It is safe to say that Manchester is one of the most cultural cities in the UK in many aspects. Reveling in the different types of music, there is always somewhere to go depending on your tastes from House to Techno, RnB to Dub Step and Hip Hop to the cheesy pop, it’s just knowing when and where to go that’s the issue. This column will bring you up to date news, interviews and knowledge from the people who know best, the DJs and artists who go out every night and entertain you week in week out playing what they love the most: music to make you dance your a** off.
Wednesday 19th September 2012
Wednesday 17th October 2012
Friday 28th September 2012
Monday 22nd October 2012
B.o.B The Ritz – Manchester
Azealia Banks, Zebra Katz Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] Manchester
Thursday 4th October 2012 Nickelback Daughtry Manchester Arena
Saturday 6th October 2012 Radiohead Manchester Arena
Friday 12th October 2012 Kelly Clarkson Manchester Arena
Saturday 13th October 2012 Cheryl Cole
Scouting for Girls HMV Ritz
Nicki Minaj Manchester Arena
Tuesday 23rd October 2012 Jennifer Lopez Manchester Arena
Thursday 25th October 2012
Labrinth Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] Manchester
Tuesday 30th October 2012
Owl City Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] Manchester
Thursday 1st November 2012 Ed Sheeran Apollo - Manchester
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p and coming soul songstress Anisa is definitely one to watch. The Manchester born, half Algerian, half Persian singer/ songwriter and talented pianist, embarks on her musical journey with dreams bigger than her powerful vocal chords. Female solo artists are coming and going these days, but you know a big voice when you hear one. Put her in front of a grand piano, and sit back and listen. Her talent in classical piano started at a young age, and by 15 she was recording demos at a local Manchester studio. After performing in several competitions and songwriting contests, the singer was soon picked up by London-based label Alwayz Recording. Anisa’s determination already shines through her humble personality. With nothing but music on the brain, Anisa managed to power through her University degree in International Management and French at the University of Manchester. Soon after graduation, she immediately set out to get her recording underway and relocated to London. Having worked with a handful of writers, producers from the likes of Roc Nation, and artists like Chipmunk, the journey has only just begun. Her debut EP, ‘Music’, was released this summer giving us a taster of six acoustic tracks; with a cameo from Wretch 32, it’s simply her voice and the piano. With this industry comes potential fame and fortune. As I sit down with the 24-year-old musician, it is clear that this does not faze her nor scare her. “I just want to sing my songs to an audience and have them love my music”. Anisa speaks exclusively to La Vida Magazine about everything music, Manchester and those huge aspirations. How did your musical journey begin? It all began with Classical piano lessons at the age of 6. After a while though, all I wanted was to be able to sing and play to my favourite artists, which at the time were Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. I got the sheet music for some of their songs and spent all my time singing and playing them. When I was about 15, I started writing my own songs. The first song I wrote was for my GSCE Music qualification and I have been writing ever since. It’s getting harder and harder for female singers to break into the industry. How would you describe your sound? I would say my sound was piano-led acoustic soul with a sprinkle of R&B. You hail from Manchester and now reside in London. Describe your relationship with each of these cities. Manchester will always be home. My comforts are here; my house, my family, things that remind me of my childhood, everything. I love coming back here for a breather. London is amazing though, everything is fast moving. It’s so multicultural, there’s so much to do and when I’m in London I’m strangely more inspired to write.
You shot your first video for your single ‘Music’ and collaborated with Wretch 32 on the track. What is the song about, and how was it working with one of the UK’s most recognised artists? The song is about my musical journey so far, the trials and tribulations and my passion for music. I wrote it after an MTV competition I did about 5 years ago, where one of the judges had criticised my artistry. When I first recorded the demo Wretch was actually there. For him to be on the remix of the track 5 years later is really special. I love how deep and poetic Wretch is as an artist and couldn’t think of anyone better for the track. Your highly anticipated first EP, ‘Music’ has just dropped. What inspired you to write it and how did it come together? The EP is a collection of 5 self-written tracks recorded live and acoustically with just vocals and piano. I really wanted the focus to be on the songs, the messages and the voice, hence why I didn’t want full production on any of the tracks. I wanted to be able to say, “This is 100% my work, I did this all myself. This is me”. Life itself is the inspiration for the songs on the EP. I write about my own experiences, things that make me mad, unhappy, ecstatic, and I write about things I see around me that affect me. ‘New Song’ for instance is about having the same argument with someone, and all you want that person to do is change their tune and talk about something else. I wrote ‘Lonely’ at a time in my life when all I wanted was to be in my own company. I’ve personified loneliness in the song almost as if I wished it were socially acceptable to enjoy being alone! What would you say is your favourite track on the EP? This is too hard to answer! I love them all. [Laughing] My songs are like my babies and you wouldn’t ask a mother to pick her favourite child. Describe your song writing process. How does it begin and how do you get to the final product? What are your influences? The process changes all the time but the thing that remains constant is that it always starts at the piano. I find a set of chords that I love and then I usually hum melodies over the top and record a rough top-line. I then write about whatever I am feeling at the time, whatever's bugging me, anything I need to get off my chest. My main musical influences are Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Toni Braxton, and all the greats who have BIG voices. If you had to collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why? Right now song-writing-wise I would love to work with Frank Ocean. He is writing some amazing material at the moment and his voice makes me melt. At the top of my wish list I also dream of working with Ne-Yo, Bruno Mars, John Legend and needless to say, Alicia Keys.
If you had to perform on any stage or event, which would it be? I would love to perform at a sold out show in the Manchester Apollo Theatre. I have seen some of my idols perform there and it’s the most intimate venue ever. What’s on your iPod right now? I have the new Trey Songz album, the new Frank Ocean album and the latest Melanie Fiona album. I absolutely love her music. What would you say is your favourite album of all time? It would have to be ‘The Miseducation’ of Lauryn Hill. This album was the first thing that made me want to sing. A close second would be Usher’s 8701. What can we expect from Anisa over the next year? There should be a few singles being released so look out for those and lots of live shows.
Quick Questions Favourite artist: Beyoncé. Favourite place to eat: Nando’s. My favourite has to be the mango and lime. Favourite shopping destination: Zara. Favourite place in the whole world: The South of France. Favourite movies: Bridget Jones (I'd watch it everyday if I could) Favourite TV show: Obsessed with The Vampire Diaries. Handbag essentials: Hand sanitizer (an amazing strawberry one from The Body Shop), Lipton Moroccan teabags and my iPod. If you could only pack 5 items into your suitcase, what would they be? My iPod, bikini, camera, Hawaiian Tropics aftersun and coconut hair oil. Download Anisa’s debut ‘Music’ EP at: www.officialanisa.com Follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/OFFICIALANISA
Written by Farah Musa
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Review
AidenGrimshaw Misty Eye
With the release of his new album, just in time for this years X-Factor, it can truly be seen how far the X-Factor contestant has gone. The debut album of Aiden Grimshaw is one of few talent show contestants that are actually still recognised, and for good reason. The 21-year-old singer has come far from his teenage years on the X-Factor with his new single Is This Love creating a new, and improved image of the young Blackpool born singer. Debuting at number 35 on the UK singles chart, Grimshaw has come a long way, ridding himself of the ‘X Factor’ tag. With critics describing the single as a mix of undertones, sounding a little like Coldplay but still holding his originality; dialling up the haunting and intensity levels since his last single Mad World.
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The sincerity and emotion in Grimshaw’s voice captivates and exaggerates the influences that have shaped his unique sound and vocals that shine through the dub-step tune. This diverse mixture of music and vocals keeps with the intensity that was emitted by Grimshaw throughout his live performances on the X-Factor; with tracks such as ‘Breathe Me’ and his follow up single 'Curtain Call’, meanwhile letting go of his X-Factor stigma and recreating himself as a true artist. Written by Jsky
Business
The Northern Quarter &The ‘Soho Effect’ Written by Khes Nazim
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very metropolis has its own distinctive character, but only landmark cities possess the innate intricacies of an art economy. Similarly to the East Ends Shoreditch and London’s Camden Town, Manchester’s Northern Quarter has the upper hand over rival cities trying to wangle an art driven revitalization. The Northern Quarter, voted the UK’s best neighborhood in 2010, is situated behind Picadilly Gardens and stretches as far as Great Ancoats Street, edged by the Arndale center and Picadilly train station. This area represents an alternative to the big-chain high street; a complete contrast and all within a whiskers distance. A place where Independent retailers offer a potent blend of alternative lifestyle consumption – fashionably retro, yet far from 'beatnik'. Central to Manchester’s development as an industrial city, The Northern Quarter has experienced mixed fortunes over the decades. Historically a thriving commercial district, it continues its socio-economic struggle with capitalism and the constant threat of gentrification. In retrospect though, the abundance of redundant warehouses and factory mills have proven to be a great breeding ground for artists and new businesses. With modern day examples such as London’s Soho and New York’s Greenwich Village, the impact of how commercialization can destroy a bohemian oasis can clearly be seen producing only higher property prices and increased expectations.
A little history:
1971 saw New York ‘re-zone’ buildings specifically as worklive spaces for artists. By cultivating commercial activity on the buildings’ first floors, this opened the way for more storefronts adding momentum to the neighborhood’s revitalization. The late 1980s saw the rise of London’s East End arts district, catching up to a phenomenon that was already well under way; The ‘Soho Effect' - turning cheap, run down flexible spaces into developed urban amenities. Lessons from ‘State-side’, teach us that the local government will always seek to formalize this organic process. As a result, industrious artists and aspiring entrepreneurs become ‘priced out’ and forced to move to the next run-down warehouse. Ultimately, art’s physical characteristics form just one factor shaping where it takes root. For a bohemian economy to remain sustainable the social, political and economic context matters too. Thus, what should be of concern to Northern Quarter’s inhabitants is how the thematic consequences of the ‘Soho Effect’ can remain afar.
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In 1994 a report, ‘The Northern Quarter Regeneration Study’, commissioned by Manchester City Council renamed the faded district no longer as part of the cities ‘Mental Map’. Picture a time when textile merchants were dying and Oldham Street, the Northern Quarter’s main hub, was considered to be of no future value. The new ‘creative quarter’ would be an area where many small-medium size enterprises could rival the retail restructuring that Manchester experienced following the opening of the Arndale center in the 1970s. The restructure leveraged pop music, funky street artwork and a self-styled culture but with a ‘laissez faire’ approach. It was in a post-Thatcher era when urban regeneration had evolved and economic development was needed, but unlike our cousins in the states, money was never going to be tossed at anyone with a paintbrush.
Today:
In order to birth an aural character and breathe life back into disinvested streets non-corporate outfits were sought after. The landscapes and soundscapes were, and still are, competitively positioned. The visual presence of eccentric window displays, quirky specialist shops, vintage bars and renowned record shops on Oldham Street are only rivaled by few in the UK, where street level facades are eccentric and jumbled. Inclusivity and entrepreneurship are at the heart of the community. It is informal public art, but kind of beautiful. What is crucially important is that few chain stores be allowed to setup shop in the Northern Quarter. The preservation of this is what allows individuality to flourish. If you create a place that is special it will go up in value, but the current economic climate shouts to us that value has, and never will be evenly distributed. The Soho effect means, where there was once an artist’s workshop there is now a GAP. Five years into the future do we want to see Afflecks Palace replaced with H&M? It is the capitalist objective of increasing shareholder value that must be kept on a leash. Whilst individuals and organizations should remain opportunists, the aftermath from overindulging will spoil what the area has built and it would be unfair for property developers to come in and reap quick profits after decades of meaningful work. So, spend an afternoon in Vinyl Exchange, search the streets for that rare fashion item and grab some grub from Soup Kitchen. If your feel like praying go to the Muslim Youth Foundation, or if you want to listen to acoustic sounds whilst enjoying a chilled drink, go to Troff. This is what makes Northern Quarter special. The fact is cities like Manchester are natural generators of individuality and prolific incubators of new ideas. Grass roots generation in the creative-economy is banked on by city councils to save neighborhoods. But can Northern Quarter cash in without selling out? Lets hope so.
Photograph by Luke Doyle - wanderlustzine.wordpress.com
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